Dormancy

Dormancy is a natural state in which a living thing becomes inactive for a period of time. During dormancy, growth and movement slow down or stop. This state is not permanent. It ends when conditions become suitable again. Dormancy is common in plants, animals, and other living things.

In plants, dormancy often happens during cold or dry seasons. Many trees in temperate regions enter dormancy in winter. Their leaves may fall, and growth stops. Inside the plant, life processes continue at a very low level. Buds, seeds, or roots remain alive until warmer or wetter conditions return. Seed dormancy is a common example. A seed may stay inactive in soil for months or years before it begins to grow.

Animals also show dormancy in different ways. Some animals enter hibernation, which is a deep form of dormancy during winter. Bears, bats, and some rodents hibernate when food is scarce. Their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing slow down. Other animals enter estivation, which is dormancy during hot or dry periods. Snails and some reptiles may estivate to avoid heat and lack of water.

Dormancy is controlled by changes in the environment. Temperature, daylight, and water availability are common signals. For example, shorter days and lower temperatures can trigger dormancy in plants. Hormones inside the organism help control this process. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate growth and activity. These signals help the organism enter dormancy at the right time.

Dormancy differs from death or illness. A dormant organism is still alive and able to return to normal activity. When conditions improve, growth and movement begin again. In plants, buds open and new leaves grow. In animals, normal body activity resumes. This ability to pause and restart life processes is an important part of many life cycles.

The word dormancy is also used outside biology. In general language, it can describe something that is inactive but not gone. In science, however, dormancy has a clear meaning. It describes a temporary and controlled pause in life processes that allows survival during difficult periods.