What is aestivation?
1 Answer
Aestivation is a state of animal dormancy that is exhibited by certain animals species in response to high temperatures and arid conditions.
Explanation:
Invertebrate and vertebrate animals are known to enter this state to avoid damage from high temperatures and the risk of dessication. Both terrestrial and aquatic animals undergo aestivation.
It is characterised by inactivity and a lowered metabolic rate. The primary physiological and biochemical concerns for an aestivating animal are to -
1) conserve energy.
2) retain water in the body
3) ration the use of stored energy
4) handle the nitrogenous end products.
5) stabilise body organs, cells, and macromolecules.
The depression in metabolic rates during aestivation causes a reduction in macromolecule synthesis and degradation.
During aestivation the physiological state of the organism can be rapidly reversed and it can quickly return to its normal state.
Certain snails (e.g. Otala lacteal), insects (lady beetle), crustaceans (land crabs), reptiles (salamander), frogs and fish (African lungfish) show aestivation.
