A snail can sleep for up to three years without eating or drinking according to a new study.
The slug-like creatures enter a state of suspended animation in which their metabolism slows down to a fraction of its normal rate.
In the wild the sleep period usually coincides with a period of drought or cold weather.
The study published in the journal Nature found that snails can enter a state of arrested development in which their growth stops and they enter a sort of suspended animation.
In this state the creatures can survive for months or even years without food or water.
The researchers say the findings could have implications for the development of new drugs that could help people survive without food or water for extended periods of time.
The study was conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.
The team used a type of African land snail known as the Achatina fulica which is common in East Africa.
The snails were placed in a chamber with food and water and monitored for periods of up to six years.
The researchers found that the snails entered a state of dormancy when the food and water ran out.
In this state the creatures’ metabolism slowed down to a fraction of its normal rate.
The snails’ hearts beat just once every two hours and their body temperature dropped to just above freezing.
The scientists say the findings could have implications for the development of new drugs that could help people survive without food or water for extended periods of time.
How long can a snail sleep for?
Up to three years.
Where do snails sleep?
In their shells.
Do all snails sleep for three years?
No some snails can sleep for shorter or longer periods of time.
How does a snail know when to sleep?
Snails usually sleep when the temperature outside is cool and there is less moisture.
What happens to a snail when it sleeps?
Snails usually enter a state of hibernation where their metabolism slows down and they do not move.
How does a snail wake up from its sleep?
The warm weather and moisture usually trigger a snail to wake up from its sleep.
Do snails dream?
It is not known if snails dream.
What do snails eat?
Snails usually eat plants but some also eat meat.
How do snails digest their food?
Snails have a very long and complicated digestive tract that helps them digest their food.
How long does it take for a snail to digest its food?
It usually takes a snail several days to fully digest its food.
How does a snail reproduce?
Most snails are hermaphrodites so they can mate with any other snail.
They usually reproduce by laying eggs.
How many eggs does a snail usually lay?
A snail can usually lay anywhere from 30 to 100 eggs at a time.
How long does it take for a snail egg to hatch?
It usually takes about two weeks for a snail egg to hatch.
How long does a snail live?
The average lifespan of a snail is about 5 to 10 years but some species of snail can live up to 25 years.
What are some predators of snails?
Some predators of snails include birds snakes and rodents.