Tardigrades, a very interesting creature

[xanthoman]

ok not really cham related but they are a creature that some on the forum may find interesting, especially those who are microscopy enabled and would like something interesting to view while waiting for their next fecal float opportunity. cham pathology can be very boring if all of your floats are clean.

tardigrades are very interesting creatures. they were the first creatures to be sent into space because of their unique ability to survive unusually extreme conditions for extended periods of time. some even speculate that they originated from space for the same reason.

creatures from space? i"ll let you decide. rather than posting another massive wall of text the following link can describe them far better than i can, plus it also contains links to some useful microscopy resources. they even have claws, lol.

http://serc.carleton.edu/microbelife/topics/tardigrade/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDhNnAXhjW8

 

[bwert435]

I've seen a couple of these in a couple of my biology courses they are awesome survivors

 

[Olimpia]

Water bears! I love these, I've had a chance to mess around with a few as well. Very interesting little guys.

 

[ataraxia]

That is incredible the range of condition these things can survive in. very neat!

 

[pigglett79]

Wow, that is ridiculously interesting, how have I not heard of these before? Very cool. thank You

 

[chameleoman]

oh ya ive seen the youtube video when i was first posted "the first animal to survive space" i would love to see some of these guys in person but gotta get a microscope first, but room is already to crowded because some how my reptile collection continues and continues to grow along with my saltwater fish and insect hobby