UNSEEN PASSAGE 1

Many animals hibernate during parts of the year, entering a state that is similar to a very deep sleep. But hibernation is more than simply a deep sleep. The animal’s body temperature drops well below its normal range, the animal does not wake up for a long period of time, and its metabolism slows to the point that the animal does not need to eat or relieve itself during that period. In order to prepare for hibernation, the animal must build up its body weight and increase its body fat. This is important, since the animal will be living off its own body fat during the months of hibernation. Of course, once the period of hibernation is over, the animal “wakes up” to find itself slim and trim once again!

1. How does an animal prepare for hibernation?

• a. It exercises for two months.

• b. It gradually increases its sleeping habits.

• c. It grows extra fur.

• d. It eats more food than usual.

2. This passage best supports the statement that

• a. all animals hibernate to some degree.

• b. food is scarce in the winter.

• c. hibernation is very different from normal sleep.

• d. bears hibernate every year.