The state or process of being dormant during summer or hot, dry periods; a survival strategy where animals reduce their metabolism to conserve energy and water.
Latin 'aestivatio,' the noun form of 'aestivare.' This botanical and zoological term entered English scientific vocabulary in the 18th century to describe seasonal dormancy patterns.
Aestivation is like a biological pause button—the African lungfish can aestivate inside a mucus cocoon in dried mud for up to four years, surviving without water or oxygen by slowing its metabolism to almost nothing.
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