Ontogeny

Development

The ontogeny of hibernation is relatively unknown. Based on the mechanistic aspects of hibernation, it is thought of as a mainly innate behavior, rather than a learned behavior. An individual in the species may notice a shift in the weather towards that which is unsuitable for living (in some place sub zero temps, in others scalding summer heats) or the beginnings of resource death signalling the individual to increase consumption of energy-rich foods, thereby growing fat storage in adipose tissues .