Torpor: A form of inactivity, torpor is a state when an animal ceases movement for part of the day and drops its body temperature in order to conserve energy. Some animals, including newts, can enter this state for a longer period of times months and this is the more commonly known hibernation. But torpor is more akin to you lying on your couch in front of your television barely staying conscious as you watch back-to-back soap operas.