Chapter 650
Chapter 650: Reviving the Hamsters
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
When the students heard that they were about to save the hamsters, their eyes widened and their hearts raced . They listened carefully .
Zhang Zian took the opportunity to explain the science behind it first .
Hibernation was a basic instinct to many animals . From small rodents, to reptiles, to bears, they all chose to hibernate to withstand the harsh weather when food became scarce . During hibernation, the animals had lower body temperature and slower metabolisms . They could spend the entire winter without eating, drinking or moving .
Before entering hibernation, animals made preparations to fatten themselves up, so that they had enough fat to consume and to keep them warm . They chose a safe, quiet, and warm nest to hide out . By the time they came out, spring already arrived .
Shi Shi liked to put a sweater on the Labrador she owned with Liu Sanlang . Zhang Zian had explained "surface area to volume ratio" to her . Smaller animals had higher surface area to volume ratios, so they were more likely to lose heat . Therefore, medium to large-sized dogs didn't need extra clothing in winter, only small dogs needed the extra help . Hamsters, since they were very small, were sensitive to temperature changes .
Hamsters' hibernation were rushed, as they didn't know enough to prepare for it . They entered hibernation as soon as their environment became too harsh . This type of hibernation was dangerous because there was a chance they'd never wake up . To scientists, calling the hamsters' behavior "hibernation" was an insult to the other animals, so they called it "pseudo-hibernation . "
Zhang Zian had only been there for a few minutes, but he had already spotted a few problems . They didn't use pure wood chips, the cages were in the north instead of the south, the humidity in the room was a little high, etc . All were reasons that could've forced the hamsters into hibernation, but the main reason was the temperature .
"I'll help you move the cages so that they're in the south . There are two things that caused the pseudo-hibernation . One is the low temperature, the other is the short daylight hours . I'll need you to split up and prepare some stuff, but let's revive them first . Do you have a kettle? To boil some water . Do you have syringes?" Zhang asked .
"There's a kettle in the classroom . I'll go get it . " A little boy volunteered .
Wang Yaning frowned and said, "The syringes are in the biology classroom and the school clinic, but they're both closed right now . Should we buy some?"
"I'll go . I know a convenience store nearby that sells toy syringes," another boy said . After getting Zhang Zian's approval, he ran outside, then ran back and asked, "How many should I buy?"
"Just one . The cheapest one will do . " Zhang Zian put up one finger .
"Okay . " The boy ran out again .
"Does anyone have candy?" Zhang Zian asked .
"I do," another girl spoke in a shy voice .
"We'll need to supplement sugar to the hamsters . Do you mind if we use your candy? A small piece will do . " Zhang Zian said gently .
"Okay . " The girl took some candy out of her pocket and put it on the desk .
Zhang Zian nodded at her, then spoke to everyone, "Stretch out your hands, and rub them like this, until your palms are hot . "
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