Editing Dormancy (section)

{{short description|State of minimized physical activity of an organism}}
[[File:Snowed-in tree in Hermiston.JPG|thumb|250px|During [[winter]] dormancy, plant [[metabolism]] comes to a virtual standstill, due in part to low temperatures that slow [[Activity (chemistry)|chemical activity]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Botany for gardeners |last= Capon |first= Brian |year=2005 |publisher= Timber Press|location= Timber Press |isbn= 978-0-88192-655-2 |page= [https://archive.org/details/botanyforgardene0000capo_k8y2/page/146 146]|url=https://archive.org/details/botanyforgardene0000capo_k8y2 |url-access=registration |access-date=2009-09-12}}</ref>]]
'''Dormancy''' is a period in an [[organism]]'s [[Biological life cycle|life cycle]] when growth, development, and (in animals) physical activity are temporarily stopped. This minimizes [[metabolism|metabolic activity]] and therefore helps an organism to conserve [[energy]]. Dormancy tends to be closely associated with [[Ecosystem|environmental conditions]]. Organisms can synchronize entry to a dormant phase with their [[Ecosystem|environment]] through predictive or consequential means. '''Predictive dormancy''' occurs when an organism enters a dormant phase ''before'' the onset of adverse conditions. For example, [[photoperiod]] and decreasing [[temperature]] are used by many [[plant]]s to predict the onset of winter. '''Consequential dormancy''' occurs when organisms enter a dormant phase ''after'' adverse conditions have arisen. This is commonly found in areas with an unpredictable climate. While very sudden changes in conditions may lead to a high [[mortality rate]] among animals relying on consequential dormancy, its use can be advantageous, as organisms remain active longer and are therefore able to make greater use of available resources.