How do fertilized anomopod eggs survive freezing and drying?

Anomopods, a group of branchiopods, produce specialized fertilized eggs that are remarkably resistant to harsh environmental conditions, including freezing and drying. When environmental factors such as food scarcity or sudden temperature changes occur, these organisms produce eggs that require fertilization.

These fertilized eggs serve as a survival mechanism, allowing the species to endure unfavorable periods like winter or drought. They remain dormant in this resistant state and are capable of hatching only when they are returned to favorable environmental conditions, typically in the following spring. This strategy is particularly vital for species inhabiting temporary pools, where the eggs must withstand being dried out for extended periods—sometimes lasting several years—until the environment becomes suitable for development again.1