What does it mean for an organism to hibernate?

Hibernation refers to a state of inactivity or dormancy that some organisms enter during certain periods, typically as a survival strategy during harsh environmental conditions such as winter. During hibernation, an organism's metabolic rate significantly decreases, resulting in lower energy consumption. This allows the organism to conserve energy when food sources are scarce, and environmental conditions are unfavorable for survival.

In this state, the animal will exhibit reduced body temperature, slowed heart rate, and decreased respiration, achieving a kind of biological sleep that can last for weeks or months. This adaptation is crucial for species that live in temperate regions where winter temperatures can drop dramatically.

The other responses provide alternative states or behaviors that do not accurately reflect the definition of hibernation. Being active in winter suggests a normal activity level rather than dormancy. Sleeping during summer implies a seasonal adaptation that is not related to hibernation, as this typically occurs in response to winter conditions. Moving to a different region indicates migration, not hibernation, which is a period of inactivity in a specific location.