Which metabolic consequence arises in a hibernating mammal as ambient temperature nears freezing?

💡 Explanation

As ambient temperature nears freezing during hibernation, non-shivering thermogenesis increases in brown fat because mitochondrial uncoupling produces heat, maintaining core temperature above freezing. Therefore, increased brown fat thermogenesis rate primarily results, rather than decreased glycolysis, elevated glycogenesis, or reduced urea synthesis which are less crucial for immediate survival in cold conditions.

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