In the water, many fish do not eat if the water gets cold, and the rate of their metabolism is slowed down. There are also periods in which nutrients are are in short supply and so plants cannot grow. On land, many plants become dormant when winter comes. Some land animals hibernate because there is nothing for them to eat. Energy Storage Sometimes animals and plants are able to obtain or make more food for themselves than they need right at that moment.
Plants can store surplus energy in underground tubers and roots.
Animals store surplus energy as fat. Energy is also stored to provide for the needs of new organisms. The seed leaves or cotyledons of plants provide for the needs of tiny plants that cannot make their own energy yet. Parents that pass stored food energy on to their offspring give their descendents a headstart in the struggle for survival. More Information .