During what state do animals significantly reduce their energy usage to survive when food is scarce?

The correct answer is hibernation, a state that allows certain animals to significantly reduce their metabolic rate to conserve energy when food resources are limited. During hibernation, animals enter a state of deep sleep, characterized by lowered body temperature, slowed heart rate, and reduced breathing rates. This physiological adaptation is crucial for survival in harsh conditions where food may be scarce, allowing them to survive without actively seeking food for extended periods.

In contrast, migration involves the movement of animals from one habitat to another, often to find more abundant resources or suitable breeding grounds. Metamorphosis refers to the developmental transition some organisms undergo, such as a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, and is not directly related to energy conservation during food shortages. The term "hibernate" is simply the verb form of hibernation and does not describe a distinct state or condition.