Water bear leg (Echiniscus granulatus). Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a water bear's leg. Water bears (or tardigrades) are tiny inver
Water bear leg (Echiniscus granulatus). Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a water bear's leg. Water bears (or tardigrades) are tiny invertebrates that live in aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats such as lichen and damp moss. They have four pairs of short legs each with a set of claws at the end. Water bears 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 up to a decade. Echiniscus granulatus is a herbivorous species that feeds on moss cells. This specimen originated from moss samples in Tubingen, Germany. 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: x1670 when printed 10cm wide.
Size: 4523px × 3898px
Photo credit: © EYE OF SCIENCE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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