aestivation

views updated Jun 08 2018

aestivation
1. (in zoology) A state of inactivity occurring in some animals, notably lungfish, during prolonged periods of drought or heat. Feeding, respiration, movement, and other bodily activities are considerably slowed down. See also dormancy. Compare hibernation.

2. (in botany) The arrangement of the parts of a flower bud, especially of the sepals and petals.

aestivation

views updated Jun 11 2018

aestivation(estivation)
1. Dormancy or sluggishness that occurs in some animals (e.g. snails and hagfish) during a period when conditions are hot and dry. Aestivation is analogous to hibernation in cold environments and normally lasts the length of the dry period or season.

2. The arrangement of sepals and petals in a flower bud before opening.

aestivation

views updated May 14 2018

aestivation (estivation) The arrangement of sepals and petals in a flower bud before opening.

aestivation

views updated May 23 2018

aestivation (estivation) Dormancy or sluggishness that occurs in some animals (e.g. snails and hagfish) during a period when conditions are hot and dry. Aestivation is analogous to hibernation in cold environments and normally lasts the length of the dry period or season.