A positive result for the endospore stain indicates that the organism has the ability to form endospores. Endospores are highly resistant, dormant structures that some bacterial species can form under certain environmental conditions, such as nutrient limitation or exposure to extreme temperatures, chemicals or radiation. Endospores have a distinct structure and are highly resistant to many environmental stresses, including heat, desiccation, and disinfectants. Endospore formation is an adaptive survival strategy that allows certain bacterial species to withstand unfavorable conditions until the environment becomes more favorable for growth and reproduction again. Therefore, a positive endospore stain suggests that the organism has the potential to survive harsh conditions by forming endospores.