Tardigrades are invertebrates belonging to the phylum Tardigrada.
They are related to arthropods and nematodes
Also known as water bears, tardigrades are known for their appearance and their ability to survive in extreme environments.
Where do tardigrades live?
Tardigrades can be found in moist habitats, such as damp moss or underwater sediment.
Tardigrades exist all over the world because of their ability to withstand extreme conditions.
What is a tardigrade’s survival mechanism?
Tardigrades can survive extreme conditions by going into a “tun” state, in which their body dries out and their metabolism drops to as little as 0.01 percent of its normal rate.
When conditions return to normal, the tardigrade revives itself.
A tardigrade can stay in a tun state for decades.
What kills tardigrades?
Research shows that tardigrades can be killed by exposure to hot water for an extended period of time.
One study showed that one hour of exposure to water at 82.7 °C (180.9 °F) can kill a tardigrade in its “tun” state, where it goes into suspended animation and becomes hard to destroy.
Tardigrades are mostly about 1 mm (0.04 inch) or less in size.
Are Tardigrades Dangerous?
No, at least not to humans.
Other micro-organisms in their environment should be on notice though; those claws aren't for show.
While most tardigrades are herbivorous, not all of them are, and they will eat you if you are smaller than they are and you are within reach of their claws.
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