Many animals are evolutionarily programmed to use the terrestrial portion of wetlands for a variety of essential purposes. Basic situations in which a delimited wetland can be dry are seasonal patterns with low rainfall and extended drought. In addition, the terrestrial habitat peripheral to the aquatic area and connecting wetlands is essential for the completion of life cycles in many animal species. The consequences of natural wetland drying due to seasonal precipitation patterns or cyclical droughts on species indigenous to wetlands have been addressed evolutionarily by all native species. The result has been adaptive responses such as physiological tolerances to desiccation, behaviors to emigrate under adverse conditions, or life history strategies to deal with