Cryptobiosis

Cryptobiosis is a biological state where an organism enters a reversible state of suspended animation in response to extreme environmental stress, such as desiccation, cold, or lack of oxygen. During this process, the organism drastically reduces its metabolic activities, effectively pausing life processes to survive harsh conditions. When conditions improve, it can rehydrate and resume normal functions. This strategy is observed in tiny creatures like tardigrades and some nematodes, allowing them to survive environments that would otherwise be lethal, acting as a natural form of biological resilience.