Final answer:
Torpor is the type of dormancy that occurs over a short period of time. It is a condition in which the metabolic rate of animals significantly lowers to conserve energy and wait for better survival conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of dormancy that occurs over a short period of time is torpor. Torpor is a condition in which the metabolic rate of animals is significantly lowered, allowing them to conserve energy and wait until their environment better supports their survival. Torpor can occur on a daily basis or during shorter periods, such as a summer estivation in response to high temperatures and little water.