During the cold winter months, many animals will choose to go into hibernation to survive the tough season. And the turtle is also one of them. The hibernation of turtles has led to many curiosities and questions, one of the most striking of which is whether the turtle chooses to hibernate in water or sandAnd how do they not breathe during hibernation?
Let's answer the first question first. The hibernation sites of turtles vary according to different species. Some tortoise species choose to hibernate in the water, while others choose to spend the winter in the sand on land. For example, red-eared turtles, hard-shelled turtles, and certain mud turtle species typically hibernate in the water. This is because the water retains its temperature well and also provides plenty of water for the turtle to absorb. Ground tortoises, box tortoises, and certain tortoise species choose to hibernate in the sand. This is because the sand is able to provide good heat retention and the turtle is better able to hide and protect itself in it.
Next, let's discuss how turtles don't need to breathe during hibernation. Turtles enter a very low metabolic state during hibernation, which means that their physiological activity slows down to a minimum. In this state, the tortoise's heartbeat, breathing, and digestive system all almost cease. Turtles avoid breathing by storing oxygen in the muscles and tissues in their bodies. They work by releasing oxygen from the blood in the lungs and other parts of the body and storing it in muscles and tissues. This ability to store oxygen allows the turtle to not need to breathe during hibernation. And when they wake up, they begin to breathe again and release the stored oxygen.
In addition, the hibernation time of turtles also varies depending on the species. Some turtle species hibernate for a shorter period of time, perhaps only a few weeks or months. Others can hibernate for years. The length of time a tortoise hibernates depends on environmental factors, such as temperature and food**. With low temperatures and scarce food, turtles tend to hibernate for longer.
To sum up, where turtles hibernate depends on their species, some hibernate in the water and some in the sand. Turtles do not need to breathe during hibernation and store oxygen to ensure their survival. Understanding the hibernation Xi of turtles helps us better protect and care for these adorable creatures.