Anhydrobiotic is a term used to describe organisms that can survive in extreme arid conditions. Synonyms include desiccation-resistant, xerophilous, and drought-tolerant. Other related terms include cryptobiosis, meaning a state of suspended animation induced by extreme conditions, such as dehydration, and anhydrobiosis, which refers specifically to the ability to survive in a dehydrated state. These terms are often used to describe organisms such as tardigrades and certain species of bacteria and plants that can withstand long periods of desiccation and extreme temperature changes. The ability to survive in such harsh conditions can have important implications for biomedical research and conservation efforts.