Dormants

Dormants are organisms that enter a state of reduced metabolic activity to survive unfavorable environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures or lack of water. This state is often characterized by a slowdown in growth, reproduction, and other essential life processes. Dormancy allows organisms to conserve energy and resources until conditions become more favorable for survival and activity.

In plants, dormancy is common in buds, seeds, and bulbs. For example, deciduous trees enter dormancy during winter, shedding their leaves and ceasing growth to protect themselves from frost and conserve water. Seeds can remain dormant for extended periods, germinating only when specific environmental cues, like moisture and temperature, are met.

In animals, dormancy can take various forms. Hibernation is a prolonged state of inactivity, typically occurring during winter, characterized by lowered body temperature, slowed breathing, and reduced heart rate. Bears, groundhogs, and bats are well-known hibernators. Another form is estivation, which is a state of dormancy during hot, dry periods, primarily seen in desert-dwelling animals like some snails and lungfish, allowing them to survive drought. Many insects also enter dormant stages, such as pupae, to overwinter or survive harsh conditions. This ability to enter dormancy is crucial for the survival of many species across diverse ecosystems.