Why do desert-pool branchiopods have short life cycles?

Desert-pool branchiopods, which are members of the subphylum Crustacea, have evolved to abbreviate their life cycles to coincide with the brief periods of favourable environmental conditions available in their habitat. Because these temporary pools exist only for a short time, these species must mature and reproduce rapidly before the water disappears.12

To survive the subsequent periods of drought, which can last for several years, these branchiopods produce resistant, dormant eggs. These eggs are capable of remaining dry for extended periods and will only hatch when returned to favourable conditions, ensuring the survival of the species despite the ephemeral nature of their environment.1