What is aestivation?
Q: What is aestivation?
A: Aestivation is a way for animals to go dormant, similar to being asleep, when it is hot outside instead of when it is cold.
Q: How is aestivation similar to hibernation?
A: Aestivation is similar to hibernation because both involve the animal slowing down and using less energy (food), but aestivation occurs when it is hot instead of when it is cold.
Q: When do animals aestivate?
A: Animals aestivate when the temperature is high and the weather is dry, in order to avoid dying from the heat or from drying out.
Q: Which animals have been doing aestivation since millions of years ago?
A: Lungfish have been doing aestivation since the Devonian period millions of years ago.
Q: Which animals aestivate to avoid death from heat or from drying out?
A: Both invertebrate and vertebrate animals aestivate to avoid death from heat or from drying out.
Q: Can both land- and water-living animals do aestivation?
A: Yes, both land- and water-living animals can do aestivation.
Q: Can you name some animals that aestivate?
A: Some animals that aestivate include the Nile crocodile, many species of snails, and lady beetles.
