What is Dormancy?
[[File:Snowed-in tree in Hermiston.JPG|thumb|250px|During [[winter]] dormancy, plant [[metabolism]] virtually comes to a standstill due, in part, to temperatures that slow chemical activity.<ref>{{cite book |title=Botany for gardeners |last= Capon |first= Brian |year=2005 |publisher= Timber Press|location= Timber Press |isbn= 0881926558 |page= 146|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z2s9v__6rp4C |access-date=2009-09-12}}</ref>]] '''Dormancy''' is a period in an [[organism|organism's]] [[life cycle]] when growth, development, and (in animals) physical activity are temporarily stopped. This minimizes [[metabolism|metabolic activity]] and therefore helps an organism to conserve [[energy]]. Dormancy tends to be closely associated with [[Ecosystem|environmental conditions]]. Organisms can synchronize entry to a dormant phase with their [[Ecosystem|environment]] through predictive or consequential means. '''Predictive dormancy''' occurs when an organism enters a dormant phase ''before'' the onset of adverse conditions. For example, [[day length]] and decreasing [[temperature]] are used by many [[plant]]s as [[wikt:trigger|triggers]] to start dormancy before the onset of winter. '''Consequential dormancy''' occurs when organisms enter a dormant phase ''after'' adverse conditions arise. This is often found in areas with an unpredictable climate. Sudden changes in conditions may lead to a high [[mortality rate]] among animals relying on consequential dormancy. On the other hand, its use can be advantageous, as organisms remain active longer and are able to make greater use of available resources. == Animals == *[[Hibernation]]: Hibernation is a mechanism used by many mammals to save energy and survive food shortage over the winter. Hibernation may be predictive or consequential. *[[Diapause]]: Diapause is a predictive strategy controlled by an animal's [[genotype]]. It is common in insects between autumn and spring. *[[Aestivation]]: Aestivation is consequential dormancy in response to very hot or dry conditions. It