cryptobiotic

Thân thiện

A tardigrade enters a cryptobiotic state to survive extreme drought.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Of or relating to cryptobiosis: Describes a state of extreme metabolic dormancy in an organism, where all metabolic processes appear to halt, allowing survival under extreme environmental conditions like desiccation, freezing, or oxygen deprivation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tardigrades can enter a cryptobiotic state to survive complete dehydration.
  • The cryptobiotic ability of certain seeds allows them to remain viable for centuries.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in biology, ecology, and astrobiology to describe a survival strategy.
  • Researchers study cryptobiotic organisms to understand the limits of life.

Variants and Related Words

• Cryptobiosis (n): The state of suspended animation itself.
  • Cryptobiosis is a fascinating adaptation to environmental stress.

Synonyms

• Dormant: In a state of rest or inactivity.
• Anabiotic: Capable of returning to life from a dormant state.

Related Phrases

• In a cryptobiotic state: The condition of being in cryptobiosis.
  • The nematode was revived after being in a cryptobiotic state for decades.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. of or related to the state of cryptobiosis