Theory 51/Hibernation/Ratio lens
Body Temperature Is a Balance
The claim
Hibernating body temperature is set by the ratio of heat loss to metabolic suppression, so a well-insulated hibernaculum permits deeper torpor.
01Mechanism
Temperature settles where heat production matches loss; suppressing metabolism lowers the set point only if loss also falls.
02Prediction
Temperature should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Temperature tracking metabolic rate would remove heat loss.