A short review on tardigrades – some lesser known taxa of polyextremophilic invertebrates
Journal Title: Extreme Life, Biospeology & Astrobiology - International Journal of the Bioflux Society - Year 2011, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
Tardigrades are polyextremophilic small organisms capable to survive in a variety of extreme conditions. By reversibly suspending their metabolism (cryptobiosis – tun state) tardigrades can dry or freeze and, thus, survive the extreme conditions like very high or low pressure and temperatures,changes in salinity, lack of oxygen, lack of water, some noxious chemicals, boiling alcohol, even the vacuum of the outer space. Despite their peculiar morphology and amazing diversity of habitats, relatively little is known about these organisms. Tardigrades are considered some lesser known taxa. Studying tardigrades can teach us about the evolution of life on our planet, can help us understand what extremophilic evolution and adaptation means and they can show us what forms of life may develop on other planets.
Authors and Affiliations
Andrea Gagyi-Palffy, Laurentiu Stoian
Keywords
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A short review on tardigrades – some lesser known taxa of polyextremophilic invertebrates
Tardigrades are polyextremophilic small organisms capable to survive in a variety of extreme conditions. By reversibly suspending their metabolism (cryptobiosis – tun state) tardigrades can dry or freeze and, thus, survi...