Active and colorful life under lake ice

摘要

Winter in boreal ecosystems is characterized by freezing temperatures and often a thick snow cover leading to the most challenging season for plant and animal survival. Organisms that cope with such extreme environmental conditions must rely on a wide range of adaptations to stay alive. Because migration and hibernation are efficient but energetically very costly strategies, many organisms stay active in their habitats throughout the winter, dealing with cold conditions and a lack of resources by a variety of other adaptations. To survive winter, the accumulation of energy reserves is a common strategy used by many animal species. This accumulation of energy takes place either by saving and gathering food that will be ingested during the winter or by accumulating body fats before winter.