Results: Water Bears

Water bears, also known as tardigrades or echiniscoides, are amazing micro-organisms who were named for their lumbering way of movement, which was not unlike that of a bear. Have you ever heard of this fascinating creature?

Water bears have surprising similarities to many other organisms. For example, they move like grizzly bears, shed their skin like caterpillars, and can even roll themselves up into balls like armadillos. Does it surprise you that such a small organism can have the characteristics of so many larger animals?

Water bears are popular for many reasons, one of them being that they have a reputation for being oddly cute. Some say water bears look like soft and squishy pillow creatures. Do you find this creature cute?

Water bears are also known for being extremely weird. They are actually the most adaptable organisms on the planet, and can survive not only in their usual freshwater habitats, but also in the deepest part of the ocean and even, shockingly, outer space! When their habitat dries up, they form a tough, resistant stage known as a 'tun' which dries the animal up and keeps it in a sort of coma until water returns, when the animal awakes and continues its life. These incredible tuns have withstood temperatures of -272 degrees celcius without being harmed! Is that weird or what?

Water bears are commonly referred to as micro-miracles due to their amazing ability to survive. Now that you know how they get this reputation, do you think water bears deserve such a title?