Biology
Dormancy
A state of minimal metabolic activity that allows organisms to survive unfavorable conditions. Dormancy can last days to centuries and is triggered by environmental cues.
Biological Context
Seeds, spores, and some animals enter dormancy to survive drought, cold, or resource scarcity. Dormancy requires minimal energy but the organism cannot grow or reproduce. Breaking dormancy requires specific conditions that signal favorable environment.
Business Application
Business dormancy: suspending operations to survive unfavorable conditions. Mothballed facilities, paused projects, minimal-maintenance mode. Dormancy preserves core capabilities while minimizing costs. The challenge is knowing when conditions favor reactivation.