As the long winter ended, the tempo of the clan’s life increased to match the pace of life quickening within the rich earth.

The cold season enforced not true hibernation, but an alteration in metabolic rates brought about by reduced activities. In winter they were more sluggish, slept more, ate more, causing an insulating layer of subcutaneous fat to develop as protection against the cold. With a rise of temperature, the trend was reversed, making the clan restless and eager to be out and moving.—Jean Marie Auel^[9]