Estivation

Definition

Estivation is a state of dormancy or torpor during hot and dry periods to conserve water and energy. It is seen in various animals, including amphibians, reptiles, and some mammals, as an adaptation to extreme environmental conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Estivation typically occurs during the summer months when temperatures are high, and water is scarce.
2. Animals that estivate reduce their metabolic rate significantly to conserve energy.
3. Common examples of estivating animals include snails, lungfish, and certain desert tortoises.
4. Unlike hibernation, which occurs in response to cold weather, estivation is specifically an adaptation for surviving heat and drought.
5. During estivation, some animals may burrow underground or retreat into shells to reduce exposure to the harsh environment.

Review Questions

• What triggers the process of estivation in animals?
• How does estivation differ from hibernation?
• Name three types of animals that are known to practice estivation.

Related terms

Hibernation: A state of dormancy during cold periods where metabolic processes slow down significantly.

Torpor:

A short-term state of reduced physiological activity used by some animals to survive unfavorable conditions.

Diapause: A period of suspended development in insects and other invertebrates as a strategy to survive adverse environmental conditions.