Benefit of hypothermic
The chief benefit of these hypothermic states is a reduction in the animals' energy demand. This is evidently due to the fact that the animal no longer elevates its rate of metabolism to keep itself warm. Secondly, resultant body temperature itself lowers metabolism ("Q10 effect"). Entry into hypothermic state also reduces an animal's water expenditures. In fact, for individuals suffering water shortage, the savings of water may be of greater significance than those of energy. Respiratory water losses are reduced during hypothermia for two reasons:
- Oxygen requirement as well as the rate of ventilation of lungs is reduced, and
- Body temperature is lowered, and the exhaled air is cooler than during Homeothermy and thus carries less water vapour with it.