Estivation: The summer’s urge to nap

Source: The post is based on the article “Estivation: The summer’s urge to nap” published in “The Hindu” on 20th October 2023

What is the News?

This article talks about estivation.

What is Estivation?

Estivation is also known as aestivation.

It is a biological phenomenon during which some animals enter a prolonged state of dormancy or inactivity during hot and dry conditions.It serves as a survival strategy to conserve energy and water.

Animals during estivation seek shelter in cool places like underground burrows, crevices, or cocoons.

During this time, animals will also reduce their metabolic activity which in turn reduces their energy consumption.

This helps them avoid extreme dryness and safe from predators.

What are the examples of animals undergoing Estivation?

West African lungfish: It burrows into the mud of a drying water body and secretes a cocoon of mucus around itself during a drought. 

Desert tortoises: It digs burrows to stay cool in hot summers.

Land snails: They seal themselves in their shells with a mucous plug and stay inactive until the conditions outside improve.