Understanding Tardigrades

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Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are microscopic animals that can survive extreme conditions such as extreme temperatures, radiation, and even the vacuum of space. They achieve this by entering a state of suspended animation called cryptobiosis, during which all metabolic processes stop. They can survive in this state for years until conditions become favorable again. Tardigrades also have the ability to repair their own DNA and can withstand high levels of radiation. They are considered one of the toughest animals on the planet and are the subject of much scientific study.

Animal Facts

Tardigrades, also known as water bears due to their resemblance to pandas, are found everywhere on earth. They can survive in extreme conditions that would wipe out all other life forms. For example, when a giant gamma ray burst wiped out the ozone layer and froze the planet, almost all life forms died out except tardigrades. These tiny animals are indestructible and can evolve into giant, panda-like creatures. Once considered cute, humans have subjected them to various forms of torture. Today, tardigrades are ruling the planet and fulfilling their destiny.

Water Bears

Tardigrades are very small animals with no backbone. They are slow walkers and move in a charming manner that has endeared them to biologists. They are about a hundredth of an inch in length and can be seen with the naked eye in the right light. However, they are see-through, making it difficult to observe them.

Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are tiny animals with short legs and claws. Their two rear legs face backward, giving them added agility when climbing over moss, lichen, and fallen leaves. They can be found in various environments, including land, fresh and saltwater. Tardigrades have a tough exterior cuticle that they shed and regrow as they mature. They have a brain, nervous system, esophagus, stomach, intestines and anus, but lack organs like a heart, lungs, or veins. Tardigrades belong to the phylum Tardigrada, which has over 1000 species. They feed on plant and animal fluids and have a lifespan of a few months. However, they can live for as long as a century in their tun state. Tardigrades are extremophiles and can survive in extreme conditions, including being frozen down to functional absolute zero for 20 hours, being boiled alive, or being exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Tardigrades are known as one of the toughest creatures on earth due to their ability to survive in extreme conditions. They have three states in which they can exist: active, anoxybiosis, and cryptobiosis. Anoxybiosis is when their oxygen supply is suddenly lowered, and they go into a state of suspended animation until they can breathe again. Cryptobiosis is when they shed 97% of their moisture and stop metabolizing if the water dries up. This state is called a “tun,” and it is indestructible. In their “tun” state, they produce antioxidants that neutralize the effects of radiation, making them able to survive in outer space. The terrestrial species of tardigrades who live in small films of water on leaves, moss, and lichen have developed these superpowers to survive in unpredictable environments. The water bears’ unique characteristics were discovered in 2015 when researchers found that over 17% of their genes were from bacteria, microbes, and fungi.

The exchange of genes between single-celled organisms is common and occurs “horizontally” without any concern for hygiene or propriety. However, most multicellular organisms receive their genes “vertically” from their ancestors. Tardigrades, with their 1,000 cells, seem to be open to foreign genes due to their cryptobiotic process. This process causes their DNA to break into pieces when they dry out, and tardigrades have the ability to stitch these pieces back together. In the process, they may accidentally stitch in genes from nearby sources such as bacteria or fungi, which may have contributed to their durability. However, there was some concern that the foreign genes found in tardigrades were due to contamination during the study. Further analysis showed that the foreign gene count was only about 0.4 percent, which is a normal amount found in all organisms.

Tardigrades may not be a perfect analogy for the resilience of multicultural societies, but they are still fascinating creatures that have been around for millions of years. They can teach us about surviving in outer space, repairing our DNA, and even belong to their own phylum. Plus, they can be kept as pets with just a container, moss, microscope, and a small leash. However, naming them may prove challenging since they all look almost identical. Tardigrades typically live for a few months but can live up to a century in the “tun” state, and they can survive extreme conditions like freezing, boiling, and suffocation. They are found almost everywhere but prefer living in ponds or oceans. While some find them cute, others may find them grotesque, but their invincibility is admirable. For more information, check out the author’s note.

Related Articles

• Learn about DNA
• Discover the world of Extremophiles
• Explore the fascinating world of Evolution
• Check out these 10 Animals That Look Like Monsters
• Uncover the secrets of Bacteria

More Great Links

• Stay up-to-date with the Tardigrada Newsletter
• Find out about Genome News Network
• Join the International Society for Extremophiles

Sources

• Learn about Tardigrades as Environmental Bio-Indicators from the American Museum of Natural History
• Read about the evidence for extensive horizontal gene transfer from the draft genome of a tardigrade in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S.A.
• Discover how Tardigrades can survive extreme conditions in space in this BBC article
• Find out why Tardigrades are so indestructible in this Gizmodo article
• Explore the unique abilities of Tardigrades in this BBC article
• Learn about Mitochondrial Evolution in Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
• Discover the secrets of the Water Bear in Popular Mechanics
• Find out about Horizontal gene transfer in eukaryotic evolution in Nature Reviews Genetic
• Get the facts about Tardigrades in Illinois Wesleyan University Species Distribution Project
• Read the American Scientist article on Tardigrades
• Discover the possibility of a gamma-ray burst causing mass extinction in National Geographic
• Learn about Lateral gene transfer and the nature of bacterial innovation in Nature
• Find out about Endosymbiosis and its implications for evolutionary theory in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S.A.
• Read about A tale of two tardigrades in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA
• Discover how the Tiny Waterbear Survives in Outer Space in Smithsonian
• Find out about the process of Endosymbiosis from UC Berkeley’s Understanding Evolution
• Learn how to Find and Care for a Pet Tardigrade (Water Bear) with WikiHow
• Explore the Bizarre Genome of the World’s Toughest Animal in The Atlantic

FAQ

1. What are tardigrades?

Tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, are tiny aquatic animals that measure about 0.5 mm in length. They are found in a wide range of environments, including moss, lichens, soil, and freshwater. They are known for their remarkable ability to survive extreme conditions.

2. How do tardigrades survive extreme conditions?

Tardigrades have the ability to enter a state of suspended animation known as cryptobiosis. In this state, they can survive extreme conditions such as high temperatures, low temperatures, lack of water, and high pressure. During cryptobiosis, tardigrades curl up into a ball and reduce their metabolism to a minimum.

3. What do tardigrades eat?

Tardigrades are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. They feed on algae, bacteria, and other small organisms. Some species of tardigrades are also known to feed on other tardigrades.

4. How long do tardigrades live?

The lifespan of tardigrades varies depending on the species and the environmental conditions. Some species can live for up to two years, while others have a lifespan of only a few weeks.

5. Can tardigrades survive in space?

Yes, tardigrades have been shown to survive in the vacuum of space. In 2007, a group of tardigrades was sent into space and exposed to the vacuum, radiation, and temperature extremes of outer space. After being brought back to Earth, many of the tardigrades were still alive and able to reproduce.

6. Are tardigrades harmful to humans?

No, tardigrades are not harmful to humans. They are too small to be seen with the naked eye and are not known to carry any diseases.

7. Can tardigrades regenerate?

Yes, tardigrades have the ability to regenerate their limbs and even their entire body. This means that if a tardigrade is damaged or injured, it can grow back the missing parts.

8. Why are tardigrades important?

Tardigrades are important because they play a key role in many ecosystems. They help to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients. They are also used in scientific research to study the effects of extreme conditions on living organisms.

9. How can I observe tardigrades?

Tardigrades can be observed under a microscope. They are often found in moss, lichens, and other damp environments. You can collect a sample of moss or lichen and place it on a microscope slide. Then, add a drop of water and observe the sample under a microscope.