anabiosis Definition
a state of suspended animation or greatly reduced metabolism, typically in response to adverse environmental conditions such as high or low temperatures, lack of oxygen, or drought.
Using anabiosis: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "anabiosis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Some animals can enter a state of anabiosis to survive harsh conditions.
Example
Scientists are studying the mechanisms behind anabiosis to develop new technologies for preserving organs for transplant.
Example
Certain plants have evolved the ability to undergo anabiosis to survive long periods of drought.
Phrases with anabiosis
cryptobiosis
a state of suspended animation in which an organism's metabolic activity is reduced to an undetectable level, allowing it to survive extreme environmental conditions
Example
Tardigrades are known for their ability to enter cryptobiosis and survive extreme temperatures and radiation.
anhydrobiosis
a type of anabiosis in which an organism can survive extreme dehydration by entering a dormant state
Example
Some bacteria can enter anhydrobiosis to survive in dry environments.
a type of anabiosis in which an organism enters a period of suspended development or growth, typically in response to seasonal changes
Example
Insects like butterflies and moths enter diapause during the winter months to conserve energy and survive until spring.
Origins of anabiosis
from Greek 'anabios' meaning 'bringing to life again'
Summary: anabiosis in Brief
'Anabiosis' [an-uh-bahy-oh-sis] refers to a state of suspended animation or greatly reduced metabolism that some organisms can enter in response to adverse environmental conditions. Examples include animals surviving harsh conditions, scientists studying mechanisms for preserving organs for transplant, and plants surviving long periods of drought. Related terms include 'cryptobiosis,' 'anhydrobiosis,' and 'diapause.'
