What Is the Difference Between Aestivation and Hibernation with Definitions and Examples
Aestivation is a natural state of animal dormancy, almost similar to hibernation state, but it takes place in the summer rather than during the winter. Aestivation is characterized and observed by inactivity and a lowered metabolic rate with a low percentage of hunting which is a stage entered in response to high temperatures and dry conditions.
On the other hand, though it is another term there is not much difference between them both. Hibernation is also a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression that prevails amongst animals. Hibernation is a seasonal heterothermy characterized by low body temperature, slow breathing and heart rate, and low metabolic rate. It most commonly occurs during the winter months.
Hibernation is not just sleeping as you do on other normal days. When sleeping, it is found that the brain is resting for a larger part of the time than in any other state. Hibernation is defined as a sustained long period of a prevailing body temperature, metabolism, and a drop in breathing rate. It is essentially also known as almost close to a coma-like state that can't be woken up from easily. This state will highly increase your temperature and will stop your hunger feels more than any other normal day.
Biology is a subject which is classified into Botany which deals with plants and their properties and Zoology which covers all details of other living beings on earth, their living and eating habits. This is a subject that will highly help students in learning and understanding the ecosystem. Usually, students think that Biology is really a tough & vast subject with a huge syllabus structure. But the reality is that Biology is a very scoring and easy subject. If you plan the syllabus well and study all the concepts in every chapter by practicing the diagrams and equations in a separate note, you can easily revise them before your exams.
More About Aestivation and Hibernation
Animals opt for different resting pattern based on the climate and their stage of life. They actively choose this to conserve their energy, primarily during harsh and extreme weather. This sleeping pattern is divided into two subtypes, hibernation and aestivation.
Hibernation happens during the winter season. Here animals stay in dormant condition during low temperature. On the other hand, aestivation occurs during the summer season. During high temperature, animals stay inactive to save energy.
What is Hibernation?
Hibernation Definition qualifies it as a state of sleep or inactivity noted in endotherms. This process is also known as winter sleep, as it occurs during the winter or low-temperature season. Furthermore, slow breathing and heart rate characterise this state, which results in a low metabolic rate.
Among the list of animals that hibernate, rodents are considered as the deepest hibernators. Other than that, birds, insects, fishes, and mammals also undergo hibernation at different points.
Some of the hibernate animals names are bats, bear, turtles, fishes, rats, etc.
To define hibernation further, the primary purpose of an animal to select this state is to conserve their energy and save themselves from starvation during harsh weather. However, hibernation can differ based on four points, these are –
The species.
The time of the year.
Type of animal.
Tolerance power of that species.
Furthermore, hibernation can last for different time-period; it can be days, weeks, or months. However, before going into this dormant state, animals store energy and necessary food to sustain the period.
What is Aestivation?
Aestivation definition mentions that it is also a state of sleep, but it occurs in a different time. Animals go through this period during summer or hot-temperature season. Primarily, animals in the tropical region or desert areas opt for this technique for their survival.
Aestivation meaning shows that it takes place during the summer or dry season and extreme heat. Both vertebrates and invertebrates undergo this process to save themselves from high temperature and the risk of desiccation. Similar to hibernation, animals opt for this process to save energy and retain water in their body.
Moreover, aestivation examples primarily include reptiles and amphibians. However, an interesting example of this process is lungfish. It is capable of surviving in this condition for up to three years.
Additionally, aestivation in plants is also present, such as guava.
Difference between Hibernation and Aestivation
Here is some significant difference between hibernation and aestivation –
Time of occurrence
The dormant state of hibernation is witnessed in animals during the winter season. Therefore, it is called winter sleep. On the other hand, the inactive state of aestivation occurs during the summer. Thus, it is called summer sleep.
Duration
Typically, animals stay in the state of hibernation for the entire winter season. It is primarily due to the harsh and cold weather. For instance, fishes go to deep water during this period to save themselves from freezing.
However, aestivation can be of short and long duration. During this inactive state, the energy consumption in animals reduces by 70-90times compared to their active state.
Resting place
During hibernation and aestivation, animals look for two completely different places to stay protected. In hibernation, they look for warm and cosy places, so that they can stay warm. In contrast, during aestivation animal searches for cool and moist places.
Importance
Hibernation and aestivation have similar importance; they save animals from harsh weather conditions. Hibernation allows animals to stay indoors and protect themselves from freezing outside. Similarly, aestivation enables animals to remain indoors and save themselves from water loss and sustain the harsh season.
Hibernation and aestivation are two similar processes, and their purpose is to protect animals from harsh weather. If you wish to learn more about these topics, or of any other chapter of biology, you can download the Vedantu app to access more study materials. Moreover, you can also attend our online interactive live classes via this app,
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FAQs on Difference Between Aestivation and Hibernation in Animals
1. What is the difference between aestivation and hibernation?
The main difference between aestivation and hibernation is that aestivation occurs during hot and dry conditions, while hibernation occurs during cold winter conditions. Both are forms of dormancy that help animals survive unfavorable climates.
- Aestivation happens in summer to avoid heat and dehydration.
- Hibernation happens in winter to conserve energy during cold and food scarcity.
- Both involve reduced metabolic rate, lowered body temperature, and decreased activity.
2. What is aestivation in biology?
Aestivation is a state of dormancy in which animals become inactive during hot and dry environmental conditions to prevent water loss and overheating. It is a survival adaptation seen mainly in invertebrates and some vertebrates.
- Metabolic rate decreases significantly.
- Body activities slow down.
- Organisms often burrow into soil or secrete protective coverings.
3. What is hibernation in biology?
Hibernation is a prolonged state of winter dormancy in animals characterized by reduced metabolic activity and lowered body temperature. It helps animals survive cold weather and limited food supply.
- Heart rate and breathing slow down.
- Body temperature drops significantly.
- Energy is obtained from stored body fat.
4. Why do animals undergo aestivation?
Animals undergo aestivation to survive extreme heat and prevent dehydration during dry seasons. It is an adaptive mechanism to unfavorable summer conditions.
- Reduces water loss from the body.
- Protects against high environmental temperatures.
- Conserves energy when food is scarce.
5. Why do animals hibernate during winter?
Animals hibernate during winter to conserve energy when temperatures are low and food is scarce. Hibernation allows survival without regular feeding.
- Metabolism slows drastically.
- Stored fat is used as an energy source.
- Physical activity becomes minimal.
6. What are some examples of animals that aestivate and hibernate?
Examples of aestivating animals include snails and earthworms, while examples of hibernating animals include bears and bats.
- Aestivation: Snails, earthworms, lungfish, some frogs.
- Hibernation: Bears, bats, hedgehogs, ground squirrels.
7. How does metabolic rate change during aestivation and hibernation?
During both aestivation and hibernation, the metabolic rate decreases significantly to conserve energy. However, the environmental triggers differ.
- In aestivation, metabolism slows due to heat and dehydration risk.
- In hibernation, metabolism slows due to cold temperatures and food shortage.
- Oxygen consumption and heart rate are reduced in both states.
8. Is aestivation the opposite of hibernation?
Aestivation is not exactly the opposite of hibernation, but it occurs in the opposite season and environmental condition. Both are forms of seasonal dormancy.
- Aestivation occurs in hot, dry summer.
- Hibernation occurs in cold winter.
- Both reduce metabolic activity and conserve energy.
9. Do humans undergo aestivation or hibernation?
Humans do not naturally undergo aestivation or hibernation because they are homeothermic mammals with stable internal body temperatures. Humans maintain body temperature through physiological regulation.
- Constant internal temperature (~37°C).
- No natural seasonal metabolic shutdown.
- Adapt behaviorally using clothing and shelter.
10. What are the similarities between aestivation and hibernation?
Aestivation and hibernation are similar because both are forms of dormancy that reduce metabolic activity to survive unfavorable environmental conditions.
- Both involve reduced metabolic rate.
- Both decrease heart rate and respiration.
- Both help conserve energy during stress.
- Both are adaptive survival strategies.
