@dr.bioforever: Water bears (Tardigrades) are not only super-cute but their biology is fascinating. . It is believed that these microscopic animals first appeared on Earth around 600 million years ago. That means Tardigrades have survived 5 mass extinctions! . It is in fact their almost indestructible nature what has made Tardigrades so popular. Tardigrades are not “immortal” though. They are mortal like any other animal. What makes them so extraordinarily unique is that when environmental conditions are adverse, they can enter into a state of ‘suspended animation’ called cryptobiosis. It is when they enter into cryptobiosis that they can withstand the incredibly harsh conditions that give them the reputation of being “immortal”. . If a cataclysm was to happen on our planet, water bears would be among the most likely creatures to survive (just like they have done in the past 5 mass extinctions!). . For this video I used an Olympus CX31 microscope at 40X, 100X, 200X, and 400X magnification. #microscopy #microscope #microscopio #waterbear #tardigrade #tardigrada #cryptobiosis #drbioforever

Adolfo Sánchez-Blanco, Ph.D

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Friday 02 June 2023 14:22:06 GMT