650 Reviving the Hamsters (1/2)

Chapter 650: Reviving the Hamsters

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: 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.”

He rubbed his palms quickly to demonstrate. They followed his example and rubbed their palms until they became red and hot.