Torpor and hibernation

This chapter considers the nature and evolution of the process of torpor and hibernation of animals and applies the process to bats. It briefly discusses the equation of energy balance and relates it to the bat's daily activities. It investigates the occurrence of thermal homeostasis and enumerates the three concepts of how species control their body temperature: ectothermy, endothermy, and heterothermy. It analyses the physiology and ecology of torpor and hibernation of bats, and highlights the importance of body size in each process. It also studies the notion of bats having circannual clocks in preparing for hibernation.