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Tardigrade or water bear egg SEM
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Tardigrade or water bear egg SEM
Water bear (Macrobiotus sp.) egg, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Water bears (or tardigrades) are tiny invertebrates that live in aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats such as lichen and damp moss. They require water to obtain oxygen by gas exchange. In dry conditions, they can enter a cryptobiotic state of dessication, known as a tun, to survive. In this state, water bears can survive for a decade or more. This egg was found in moss samples from the UK. Water bears are found throughout the world, including regions of extreme temperature, such as hot springs, and extreme pressure, such as deep underwater. They can also survive the high levels of radiation and vacuum of space. Magnification x1080 at 10cm wide
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Media ID 9195785
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Cryptobiotic Drought Resistant Extremophile Tardigrada Tardigrade Tardigrades Water Bear
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This print showcases the intricate beauty of a Tardigrade or water bear egg, captured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The image reveals the vibrant colors and delicate details of this remarkable creature's reproductive stage. Tardigrades, also known as moss piglets, are minuscule invertebrates that thrive in aquatic and semi-aquatic environments like lichen and damp moss. They rely on water for gas exchange to obtain oxygen but possess an extraordinary ability to survive harsh conditions. When faced with drought or extreme temperatures, these resilient creatures can enter a cryptobiotic state called a tun. In this dormant phase, they can withstand desiccation for over ten years. Discovered within moss samples from the United Kingdom, this particular egg exemplifies the adaptability of water bears across various habitats worldwide. From scorching hot springs to deep underwater trenches, they endure extreme pressures and temperatures that would be fatal to most organisms. Remarkably versatile, tardigrades even exhibit resistance against high levels of radiation and vacuum environments found in space. Their ability to withstand such inhospitable conditions has fascinated scientists for decades. With a magnification of x1080 at 10cm wide, this SEM image allows us to appreciate the intricacies of nature's resilience on a microscopic scale. It serves as a testament to the awe-inspiring capabilities possessed by these tiny yet mighty creatures - truly showcasing their status as one of Earth's ultimate survivors.
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