Torpor
A state of reduced physiological activity, typically characterized by lowered body temperature, metabolic rate, and heart rate. A short-term survival strategy that conserves energy during unfavorable conditions.
Biological Context
Hummingbirds enter torpor nightly, reducing metabolism by 95% to survive until morning. Bears enter prolonged torpor (often called hibernation) for months. Bats can reduce metabolic rate by 98%. Unlike true hibernation, torpor can be entered and exited quickly, making it a flexible response to temporary resource scarcity.
Business Application
Companies with torpor capacity can drastically reduce burn rate during downturns. WeWork failed partly because it lacked torpor capacity—fixed costs were so high that when revenue dropped, it couldn't reduce metabolism fast enough. Companies should structure operations so they can reduce burn by 60-70% within 30 days if needed.