Spectacular Species: The Tardigrade

All species have spectacular things about them, whether those things seem normal to us humans or not. These special qualities are what make different species unique. Some of these animals' special qualities are things that help to keep them alive, but some are truly extraordinary when it comes to how they live, eat, move around, or just live their everyday life. One truly fascinating creature is the Tardigrade.

Tardigrades are segmented micro-animals. They are often called water bears or moss piglets because they have plump, segmented bodies and flat heads. They have 8 legs that are each tipped with 4-8 claws. Tardigrades live in water habitats, from living in the ocean to living on a high mountain with drops of water. They mostly eat plants or algae and live to be about 1 mm, or 0.04 inches long. These curious animals can live up to a century in their tun state, but when they are not in their tun state they can live from 3 months to 3 years depending on living conditions.

Although they are small, they are very mighty and know how to take a hit. Tardigrades look cute on the outside, but they are a nearly indestructible species. They can survive in scorching heat, freezing cold, ultraviolet radiation, or even in outer space! During these severe climate changes, they dry out and roll into little balls, like rolly pollies. These little balls are called “tuns”. They come back to life when the conditions go back to normal. When they are in their “tun” form, they enter an almost dead-like state. When this happens, their water level drops to almost 1% and during this time, they can survive some of the toughest conditions known. Studies from scientists show that even after civilization on Earth is long gone, these magnificent creatures will still be here.

Normally, when people think of a fascinating species, they think of cheetahs, which can run up to 75 miles per hour, or sharks, with their enormous teeth and scary eating habits, but there are more species than anyone knows yet that lie under the surface and are just as spectacular.

About the Author

Ashley is hard working, likes researching and writing, and works well with other people. She does Gymnastics, cross country, and track for Northwood High School. She has one older brother and one older sister.

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