Key Area 2.5: Metabolism and adverse conditions

Question 1

What is predictive dormancy (when does is occur)?

Answer 1

Predictive dormancy occurs when an organism becomes dormant before the onset of the adverse conditions, this happens before the adverse conditions and is usually genetically programmed. The temperature and photoperiod can be used as environmental cues in seasonal environments.

Question 2

What is consequential dormancy (when does it occur)?

Answer 2

Consequential dormancy is when an organism becomes dormant after the onset of the adverse conditions. It typical for organisms living in unpredictable environments to respond like this.

Question 3

What is Hibernation (when does it occur)?

Answer 3

Hibernation is often defined in terms of mammals, it is a common survival strategy in response to metabolic energy crisis. Before hibernation mammals eat extra food to be stored as fat. During hibernation the metabolic rate reduces, therefore energy usage is reduced aswel allowing mammals to survive winter months.

Question 4

What is Aestivation (when does it occur)?

Answer 4

Aestivation is a form of dormancy that allows some animals to survive in periods of high temperature or drought in the summer. It occurs not just due to food supply issues, but also due to the conditions become too hot or dry for the animal