Which of the following is a behavioural adaptation of animals for avoiding adverse weather conditions?

Answer Details

Hibernation is a behavioural adaptation in which an animal enters a prolonged state of dormancy during adverse weather conditions, particularly cold winters. During hibernation, the animal's metabolic rate, body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate drop significantly, allowing it to conserve energy when food is scarce and temperatures are too low for normal activity. Examples include bears, hedgehogs, bats, and some rodents.

The key word in the question is "adverse weather conditions." Hiding is a behavioural response primarily used to escape predators, not specifically to cope with weather. Remaining motionless (freezing) is a defence mechanism against predators. Swelling up (puffing up the body) is a defensive display used by some animals to appear larger and deter predators, such as the puffer fish or the toad.

Hibernation (for cold weather) and its warm-weather counterpart, aestivation (for hot, dry conditions), are the two main behavioural adaptations specifically for surviving adverse weather.