Which of the following adaptations allows animals to survive winter?

The adaptation that allows animals to survive winter is hibernation and torpor. These physiological and behavioral strategies enable animals to reduce their metabolic rate significantly, conserving energy during periods when food is scarce and external temperatures drop. Hibernation involves entering a deep sleep-like state where an animal's heart rate and breathing slow considerably, allowing it to survive on stored body fat.

Torpor is a similar but short-term adaptation where animals experience a temporary reduction in body temperature and metabolic rate for a time, helping them endure cold periods or food shortages. Both of these adaptations are crucial for many species, such as bears and ground squirrels, to survive the harsh winter months when resources are limited.

In contrast, while migration to warmer places is an effective strategy employed by some species (like birds), it does not apply to all animals, particularly those that have adapted to stay in cold climates. Increased food intake in the summer may help animals build up fat reserves for winter but does not directly assist with survival during the cold months themselves. Additionally, increased body temperature is not a viable adaptation for winter survival, as most animals would face serious health risks if their body temperatures rose significantly in extreme cold. Thus, hibernation and torpor stand out as the most effective winter