Question:medium

The term 'quiescence' in insects refers to:

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Quiescence = Immediate response to stress; development resumes with favorable conditions.
  • A genetically programmed dormancy period
  • A temporary halt in development due to unfavorable conditions
  • A period of increased metabolic activity
  • The pupal stage in holometabolous insects
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Key Concept: Quiescence and diapause are both dormancy states, but they differ in cause and control.

Why it's correct: Quiescence is a temporary, environmentally-triggered halt in development — it starts and ends directly with unfavorable/favorable conditions, with no hormonal programming involved.

Why others fail: A genetically programmed dormancy describes diapause, not quiescence; increased metabolic activity is the opposite of dormancy; and the pupal stage is a fixed developmental phase, unrelated to environmental triggers.
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