A small child is given a gift labelled 'sea monkeys'. At first glance it appears to consist of nothing but dehydrated and lifeless granules. However, when placed in water, the granules turn out to be small brine shrimp that display vigorous signs of life. This is an example of
A) genetic modification.
B) resurrection.
C) cryptobiosis.
D) endothermosis.
E) ectothermosis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cryptobiosis is a state of extreme hibernation or dormancy where an organism's metabolic activities come to a reversible standstill, allowing it to survive in conditions that would normally be lethal. This is what happens with the "sea monkeys" (brine shrimp), which can remain in a dehydrated state until they are rehydrated, at which point they resume their life processes.

A Small Child Is Given a Gift Labelled 'Sea Monkeys