Question

Which of the following happens during suspension among organisms?

• A. Organisms travel long distances to escape the harsh local environmental conditions.
• B. Organisms adjust their body temperatures according to the environmental temperature.
• C. Organisms develop physiological and morphological adaptations that enable them to survive in specific environmental conditions.
• D. Organisms enter a state of dormancy, and exhibit periods of inactivity and lowered metabolic rates.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Organisms enter a state of dormancy, and exhibit periods of inactivity and lowered metabolic rates.

Organisms respond to their physical environment in their own ways. Some organisms can regulate or conform their body temperature and osmotic balance with that of their surroundings. There are others that migrate or travel long distances to escape harsh local environmental conditions. Many organisms even develop physiological and morphological adaptations that enable them to live in a particular environment. In addition to these, there are also organisms that undergo suspension, which is a period of dormancy. During this, they “suspend” their metabolic activities to survive harsh environmental conditions. They return to their routine activities once the environment is favourable again.