lepokausi

Lepokausi is a period of reduced metabolic activity and growth during which development is paused, allowing organisms to survive unfavorable environmental conditions or to synchronize life cycles. The term is used broadly in biology to describe dormancy in plants, seeds, animals and some insects.

In plants, lepokausi commonly refers to winter dormancy in perennials, where buds stop growing, metabolism slows, and tissues are protected from freezing. Seed dormancy is another form, where seeds delay germination until conditions are suitable. Cues that break dormancy include chilling or stratification, exposure to warmer temperatures, and changes in light. Dormancy can be categorized as endodormancy (internal inhibition) or ecodormancy (external conditions needed to allow growth).

In animals, lepokausi can denote hibernation or extended torpor during cold seasons, seen in some mammals, reptiles and other groups. In insects, a related concept is diapause, a regulated developmental pause at a specific life stage triggered by factors such as photoperiod or temperature to survive winter or drought.

Environmental factors governing lepokausi include temperature, day length (photoperiod), moisture and nutrient availability. The duration and timing of dormancy vary among species and populations and are often linked to ecological strategies and climatic conditions. Termination of lepokausi generally occurs when favorable conditions return, through physiological changes that resume growth or development.

Understanding lepokausi is important in ecology, agriculture and horticulture, influencing practices such as seed storage, crop planting schedules, pruning, and breeding for appropriate chill requirements. Climate change can alter the timing and duration of dormancy, with consequences for phenology and ecosystem dynamics.