dormancy An inactive period in the life of an animal or plant during which growth slows or completely ceases. Physiological changes associated with dormancy help the organism survive adverse environmental conditions. Annual plants survive the winter as dormant seeds while many perennial plants survive as dormant tubers, rhizomes, or bulbs. Hibernation and aestivation in animals help them survive extremes of cold and heat, respectively.

dormancy(hypobiosis) A resting condition with reduced metabolic rate. This is found in non-germinating seeds and non-growing buds. Dormancy is predictive if it protects the organism against adverse conditions and occurs before their onset. Predictive dormancy most commonly occurs in environments that undergo regular seasonal change; in animals it is often called diapause, in plants innate dormancy. Consequential (secondary) dormancy commences after the onset of adverse conditions.

dormancy (hypobiosis) A resting condition with reduced metabolic rate. This is found in non-germinating seeds and non-growing buds. Dormancy is predictive if it protects the organism against adverse conditions and occurs before their onset. Predictive dormancy most commonly occurs in environments that undergo regular seasonal change; in animals it is often called diapause, in plants innate dormancy. Consequential (secondary) dormancy commences after the onset of adverse conditions.