Dormant colonies = 18% of 3,811 = 0.18 × 3,811 = <<0.18*3811=685.98>>685.98 ≈ 686 (rounded to nearest whole)

Tue, 05 May 2026 21:17:16 +0000

Understanding Dormant Colonies: The Hidden Workforce of Every Ecosystem When we think about colonies—whether in nature, technology, or biology—most people imagine thriving, bustling communities actively growing and performing vital functions. However, in many ecosystems and scientific models, a quiet but critical phase exists: active colonies often include dormant stages, which represent an essential but underrecognized phase of development. ### What Are Dormant Colonies? A dormant colony refers to a population that temporarily halts growth due to environmental conditions, resource limitations, or seasonal changes. During dormancy, individual members remain viable but inactive, waiting for favorable circumstances to resume replication and function. This stage is particularly common in organisms like microbes, insects, and even synthetic systems such as programmable nanomaterial clusters or software agent ensembles.