A period of inactivity in the summer months due to the hot, dry weather is called _______ and is a(n) _______ adaptation.
A period of inactivity in the summer months due to the hot, dry weather is called aestivation and is a behavioral adaptation.
To find the answer, we can break down the question and look for the key terms. The question mentions a period of inactivity during the summer months due to hot, dry weather. This suggests that the answer is related to how organisms cope with extreme heat or drought during summer.
The term "aestivation" fits this description. Aestivation is similar to hibernation (which occurs during winter) but is specifically used to describe the period of inactivity or dormancy that some animals undergo during hot, dry periods. It is a strategy that helps organisms conserve energy and survive in challenging environmental conditions.
Furthermore, the question also asks for the type of adaptation. Given that aestivation is a behavioral response to environmental conditions, it is classified as a behavioral adaptation. Behavioral adaptations involve changes in an organism's behavior to better suit their environment and increase their chances of survival.
Therefore, the answer to the question is: A period of inactivity in the summer months due to the hot, dry weather is called aestivation and is a behavioral adaptation.