Behavioral Adaptions
Estivation
What is Estivation?
Estivation is when animals slow their activity for the hot, dry summer months. During a period of estivation, many reptiles go underground where it's cooler. Estivation is very similar to hibernation, when some mammals spend the winter moving very little and sleeping a lot, in order to save energy.
How is Estivation Similar to Hibernation?
Both slow the metabolism of the animal. Animals use them to survive periods of extreme temperatures. What makes them different is Estivation is used by ectotherms in high temperatures, for a short time. While Hibernation is used by Endotherms in low temperatures for a long time.