What Animal Will Survive When Everyone Dies?

TL;DR

Tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, are tiny invertebrates capable of surviving extreme conditions such as space, extreme temperatures, radiation, and pressures.

Transcript

Hey there and welcome to Life Noggin. Wouldn’t it be cool if there was something that could survive space without a special suit? Well it turns out there is something that awesome, and it’s called a tardigrade! They may sound like something you get when you’re late for school, but these little guys are basically superheroes! Let’s find out why. Tar... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, are small invertebrates with four pairs of legs.
• ❓ They are incredibly resilient and can survive extreme temperatures, radiation, oxygen depletion, and pressure.
• 💦 Tardigrades have the ability to enter a state of cryptobiosis, where they halt metabolic processes and remain dormant until encountering water again.
• 👾 They have shown the ability to survive in the harsh conditions of Low Earth Orbit, making them one of the few organisms capable of surviving in space.
• ❓ Tardigrades are even considered potential survivors beyond human existence.
• ❓ They are cannibalistic creatures, with some tardigrades preying on other tardigrades.
• 💦 Tardigrades can be observed under a microscope by collecting water from soaked lichen or moss.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are tardigrades able to survive in extreme conditions?

Tardigrades enter a state called cryptobiosis, where they halt metabolic processes and can survive for years. They can dry up into a lifeless ball called a "tun" and stay in this state until they come into contact with water again.

Q: Can tardigrades survive in space?

Yes, tardigrades are considered one of the few organisms capable of surviving the harsh conditions of space. In an experiment, tardigrade samples were exposed to a space vacuum, ultraviolet radiation, and ionizing solar and galactic cosmic radiation.

Q: How can one observe a tardigrade?

To observe tardigrades, find some lichen or moss and place it in distilled water overnight. Squeeze the moss over a transparent dish like a Petri dish to collect the water, and examine it under a microscope.

Q: Are tardigrades cannibalistic?

Yes, some tardigrades are cannibals and may prey on other tardigrades along with consuming plant cell fluid and bacteria.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Tardigrades are small invertebrates with four pairs of legs that feed on plant cell fluid and bacteria.

• These creatures can survive in extreme environments, including temperatures colder than -200 Celsius and as hot as 150 Celsius.

• They can also endure extreme radiation, oxygen depletion, and severe pressures.