Hibernation, or “hibernation”, is a state of metabolic inactivity or dysfunction in animals during winter. Aestivation, or “summer hibernation,” on the other hand, is a low metabolic process in animals during the winter.
What is Aestivation?
Desert and tropical animals are sensitive. This is to protect against hot, dry weather and lack of food and water. It is found in worms, molluscs, arthropods, reptiles and amphibians.
A lungfish can survive a respectable three years without water. It also helps prevent water loss or dehydration and saves energy.
What is Hibernation?
Hibernation is a condition in which animals lie inactive during the winter with a reduced metabolism. This is found in reptiles, fish and amphibians. To deal with the problem of lack of food during hibernation, these animals consume large amounts of food and store it as excess fat. This is given as energy during sleep.
Difference Between Aestivation And Hibernation
| Hibernation | Aestivation |
| Also known as “winter sleep”. | Also known as “summer sleep”. |
| Longer duration. | Short duration. |
| Animals look for a warm place to sleep. | Animals look for a moist, cool and shady place to sleep. |
| It prevents any internal body damage due to low temperatures. | It prevents excessive water loss and internal body damage due to high temperatures. |
| Hibernation takes place in warm and cold-blooded animals like bats, mammals, birds, etc. | Aestivation takes place in cold-blooded animals like snails, earthworms, frogs, etc. |
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