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How does hibernation work? - Sheena Faherty

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The Arctic Ground Squirrel hibernates by burrowing under the permafrost and slipping into a state of suspended animation. The female black bear can give birth while she hibernates. The fat-tailed dwarf lemur prepares to hibernate by storing its fat reserves in its tail - doubling its body weight. Why do these animals go to such extremes? Sheena Lee Faherty details why animals hibernate.

Many researchers studying hibernation hope to use this information to help humans. What other forms of research and information gained from the animal world have improved our lives?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Sheena Faherty
  • Director Rémi Cans
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Art Director Rémi Cans
  • Animator Dabid Pascual, Davy Dumartheray
  • Composer Stephen Eugene Larosa
  • Sound Designer Stephen Eugene Larosa
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott, Elizabeth Cox
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Julianna Zarzycki
  • Fact-Checker Laura Shriver

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