Question

beadnose tab b
each winter brown bears in north america spend an average of 5 months inside of dens in a low activity state known as hibernation. they experience drastic body changes during this time. they also do not eat, drink, defecate (poop), or urinate (pee). it is a wonder that the bears can survive each winter in this state without performing these essential body functions! the bear in the images below is named beadnose and lives in alaska. you can see how her body changes as she gets ready for hibernation.
this is bear #409, nicknamed “beadnose”, from katmai national park in alaska. both photographs are of the same bear.
what does the table tell you about how much energy beadnose uses while she is hibernating?
a
beadnose uses more energy. since she doesn’t eat during hibernation, her body must be working harder to make energy from fat.
b
beadnose uses less energy. the slower breathing and the decreased heart rate supply less oxygen for cellular respiration. because there is less oxygen input there will be less energy output.
c
beadnose uses less energy. her weight decreased by 200 pounds. bears that weigh

Explanation:

To determine the correct option, we analyze the hibernation process of bears. During hibernation, bears enter a low - activity state. Option A is incorrect because if a bear isn't eating, its body doesn't work harder to make energy from fat in the way described (in fact, metabolic processes slow down). Option B correctly explains that during hibernation, a bear's heart rate slows, breathing slows, and there is less oxygen supply for cellular respiration, which leads to less energy output as the body's metabolic rate decreases. Option C's mention of weight decrease by 200 pounds is not related to how the bear uses energy during hibernation in the context of the question.

Answer:

B. Beadnose uses less energy. The slower breathing and the decreased heart rate supply less oxygen for cellular respiration. Because there is less oxygen input there will be less energy output.