In this talk we investigate the consequences of dormancy (and the resulting seed banks) within various classical setups in population biology. Depending on the specifics of the dormancy-related switching mechanisms on the individual level, a variety of different effects can emerge in the large population limit. In particular, we distinguish and investigate the effects of stochastic switching/bet-hedging, responsive switching (eg. due to environmental cues or treatment), and competition-induced switching (due to intra- and inter-species competition). Along the way, we outline challenges and perspectives for future research in several fields, ranging from population genetics and adaptive dynamics to cancer therapy resistance.

The talk can be seen as a continuation of Noemi Kurt's previous talk on the subject of dormancy.