Brumation

Brumation is a seasonal period of reduced activity in ectothermic animals during cold conditions. It involves lowered metabolism and may include intermittent waking to drink or move.

Ectothermy: Ectothermy is a mode of thermoregulation in which body temperature depends largely on external heat sources. Brumation occurs in animals whose body temperatures track environmental conditions.
Ectotherm: An ectotherm is an animal whose body temperature depends mainly on external heat sources. Reptiles and many other brumating animals are ectotherms.
Reptile husbandry: Reptile husbandry is the care and management of reptiles in captivity. Captive conditions can inadvertently trigger or disrupt seasonal inactivity.
Estivation: Estivation is a period of reduced activity that helps an animal endure hot or dry conditions. It is a seasonal dormancy associated with heat or drought rather than cold.
Torpor: Torpor is a temporary state of reduced metabolism and activity in an animal. Brumation is a seasonal pattern of reduced activity, while torpor can describe shorter bouts within it.
Cold tolerance: Cold tolerance is an organism’s capacity to maintain function or survive at low temperatures. It limits the temperatures at which brumation remains safe.
Bearded dragon: The bearded dragon is an Australian agamid lizard commonly kept as a pet. Captive bearded dragons may undergo seasonal brumation-like inactivity.
Diapause: Diapause is a hormonally regulated developmental pause that helps an organism survive predictable adverse conditions. It is a programmed developmental arrest, not simply cold-induced inactivity.
Metabolic rate: Metabolic rate is the speed at which an organism uses energy through biochemical processes. Cold conditions lower energy demands during brumation.
Photoperiod: Photoperiod is the duration of light and darkness within a 24-hour cycle. Seasonal day-length changes can help cue preparation for cold periods.

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