noun
- plural of hibernator; animals that enter a state of dormancy during winter to conserve energy
Usage: common in biology and zoology contexts; refers to creatures that undergo hibernation
Examples
- Bears are among the most well-known hibernators in North America.
- Many hibernators, such as ground squirrels, prepare by storing food before winter arrives.
- Scientists study hibernators to understand how they survive months without eating.
- Hedgehogs and bats are examples of small hibernators found in temperate regions.
- During spring, hibernators emerge from their dens as temperatures warm up.
- The metabolic changes in hibernators allow them to lower their body temperature significantly.