Difference Between Aestivation And Hibernation

Hibernation or “winter sleep” is the state of inactivity or low metabolic process animals perform during winter. Aestivation or “summer sleep”, on the other hand, is the low metabolic process by the animals during summer.

Let us have a detailed look at the important difference between hibernation and aestivation.

Aestivation vs Hibernation

The following are the major difference between aestivation and hibernation:

Aestivation

Aestivation occurs in animals living in deserts and tropical regions. This is done to protect themselves from a hot and dry climate and due to the scarcity of food and water. This can be seen in earthworms, molluscs, arthropods, reptiles and amphibians. A lungfish can aestivate and survive without water for three years. The sole motive of aestivation is to prevent water loss or dehydration and to save energy.

Hibernation

Hibernation is the condition in which the animals go dormant during winter by lowering their metabolic activities. This can be seen in reptiles, fish and amphibians. To combat the problem of food shortage during hibernation, these animals eat a lot of food and store it in the form of excess fat. This is supplied in the form of energy while sleeping.

Also Read: Difference between Sleep and Hibernation

These were some of the important differences between aestivation and hibernation. To learn more about other interesting biology topics, register to BYJU’S – The Learning App.

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