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Water Bears: Tardigrada

Water Bears And People

The cryptobiotic abilities of water bears have long been of interest to scientists. Several species in the tun stage have been exposed to cosmic radiation, vacuum, and temperatures close to absolute zero and have survived, clearing the way to use them as experimental animals in space. Scientists are also analyzing the proteins and sugars produced by water bears during the tun stage to protect their delicate tissues under extreme conditions. These and other studies may help to explain how life began and developed on Earth.

TUNS OF FUN

Water bears are the only animals capable of stopping all life functions and still be alive. They survive harsh conditions in the barrel-like tun stage. Tun is another name for a wine barrel or cask. Water bear tuns can be picked up by winds and carried hundred of miles. Tuns have been revived from moss specimens collected more than 100 years ago. They can survive 20 days at temperatures of -328°F (-200°C).

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceMollusks, Crustaceans, and Related SpeciesWater Bears: Tardigrada - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Water Bears And People, Giant Yellow Water Bear (richtersius Coronifer): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, CONSERVATION STATUS