Which term describes the period of inactivity that amphibians experience in high temperatures?

The term that describes the period of inactivity that amphibians experience in high temperatures is estivation. Estivation is a survival strategy that allows amphibians and other animals to avoid the adverse effects of extreme heat and dry conditions. During this time, the animals will seek refuge in moist environments, reducing their metabolic rate and conserving water to help withstand the stressful conditions. This adaptation is particularly crucial for amphibians, as they are sensitive to changes in their environment due to their permeable skin.

In contrast, metaphase is a stage in cell division where chromosomes align in the center of the cell and is not related to animal behavior or dormancy. Metamorphosis refers to the developmental process some animals undergo, such as the transformation from a tadpole to a frog, which involves significant physiological changes but is not associated with inactivity due to temperature. Hibernation is a state of dormancy typically associated with cold temperatures, where animals reduce activity to conserve energy in response to winter conditions, rather than high heat like in the case of estivating amphibians.