Biology / Unit 10 Bio 2267 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Phylum Tardigrada
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The idea
Tardigrades are microscopic ecdysozoans capable of entering a dormant, dehydrated state called cryptobiosis, letting them survive extreme temperature, pressure, and radiation.
In practice
A dehydrated tardigrade in cryptobiosis survives exposure well beyond what its active, hydrated form could tolerate, then revives once rehydrated.
Where people slip
Cryptobiosis nearly stops a tardigrade's metabolism — it is not evidence the organism is immune to damage while active.
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