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Student Article

Hibernation: How Animals Sleep Through the Heat and Cold

By: Dominic Couzens
Originally Published in  Discover Wildlife

Discover how animals survive extreme weather through hibernation, aestivation, and torpor, and explore the surprising ways different species prepare for and endure their seasonal slumbers.

The article "Hibernation: How Animals Sleep Through the Heat and Cold" from BBC's Discover Wildlife explores the fascinating survival strategies animals use during extreme weather. It explains the difference between hibernation, aestivation, torpor, and denning.
Student Article Info

BBC's Discover Wildlife brings you closer to nature with expert advice, conservation news, the best nature writing and stunning wildlife photography. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
3-56-89-12
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Life Science
Keywords
hibernationanimal survivaltorporaestivationdenningseasonal dormancy
A small hedgehog sleeping on its back with leaves in the background
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

1
Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 600-800L
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2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 850 – 1050L
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3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 900 – 1100L
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