Case Study: Life in the Fat Lane - Bear Hibernation

In this case study you will learn about nature’s metabolic marvel, the hibernating bear. A year in the life of a bear, especially those living at high northern latitudes such as in Alaska, is more or less equally divided into two parts. Half the year it is eating while the other half it is not. When a bear is not eating for such a long period of time how does it survive? Specifically, this case study looks at the organic chemistry pathway that allows a hibernating bear to survive during the long, foodless, calorie-deficient winter month.