The Secret Life of Tardigrades: The Most Resilient Creatures on Earth

That's the tardigrade, also known as the water bear or moss piglet. These tiny invertebrates, measuring only about 0.5 mm in length, are found in a vast array of environments, from the depths of the ocean to the tops of mountains, and even in space.

When conditions become harsh, such as when their habitat dries up or when they are exposed to extreme temperatures, they curl up into a dehydrated ball and enter cryptobiosis. In this state, their metabolism slows down to near zero, and they can survive for years or even decades until conditions improve.

Once conditions become more favorable, tardigrades rehydrate and resume their normal activities. They are remarkably resilient and can survive conditions that would kill most other creatures.
For example, they can survive being frozen at -272 degrees Celsius (-458 degrees Fahrenheit) and can withstand temperatures as high as 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit). They can also survive in the vacuum of space and are not affected by radiation levels that would kill humans.

Tardigrades are fascinating creatures that have taught us a lot about the limits of life on Earth. Their ability to survive in extreme conditions is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life. As we continue to explore the vastness of space and search for life beyond Earth, tardigrades are a reminder that life may be more common than we ever imagined.

• They are one of the oldest animals on Earth, with a fossil record dating back 500 million years.
• They can survive in a wide range of environments, from the ocean to the desert.
• They have eight legs, each with five toes.
• They can reproduce both sexually and asexually.
• They are the only animals known to be able to survive in the vacuum of space.

Tardigrades teach us that life is incredibly resilient and can survive in even the most extreme conditions. They also teach us the importance of adaptation and the ability to change in order to survive.