# Microscopic Extremophiles (DD-307)

> Tardigrades, also called water bears or moss piglets, are microscopic animals usually about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters long. In a dried-out state they can survive extreme heat and cold, radiation and even the vacuum of space. They do this through cryptobiosis, losing almost all their water and slowing their metabolism to nearly undetectable levels. The footage shows tardigrades under a microscope.

- Department: Nature (also Science)
- First published: 2024-08-24
- Last updated: 2024-08-24
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/microscopic-extremophiles/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-307-F01**: They are called water bears. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Nicknames))_
- **DD-307-F02**: Usually 0.3 to 0.5 mm long. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Size))_

## Write-up

Tardigrades can survive the vacuum of space. They dry out and nearly stop their metabolism.

1. **Nicknames**: They are called water bears.
2. **Size**: Usually 0.3 to 0.5 mm long.
3. **Space**: They have survived space vacuum.
4. **Cryptobiosis**: They enter cryptobiosis.
5. **Metabolism**: Metabolism nearly stops.

## Related case files

- [Argyroneta Aquatica (DD-670)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/argyroneta-aquatica/): I linked another tiny survivor

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Microscopic Extremophiles: Tardigrades Can Survive the Vacuum of Space

- Duration: 27.4 s · Published: 2024-08-24
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C_EPtoEpRgO.mp4

### Transcript

Tardigrades, often called water bears or moss piglets, are microscopic creatures known for their incredible resilience. Measuring only about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters long, these tiny organisms can survive extreme conditions that would be fatal to most lifeforms, such as intense heat, freezing temperatures, radiation and even the vacuum of space. Tardigrades achieve this by entering a state called cryptobiosis, in which they lose almost all of their water content and slow down their metabolism to nearly undetectable levels! NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What are tardigrades called?**  
A: Also moss piglets. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Nicknames) · Wikipedia: Tardigrade)_

**Q: How long are they?**  
A: Microscopic. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Size) · Wikipedia: Tardigrade)_

**Q: What can they survive?**  
A: When dried out. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Space) · Wikipedia: Tardigrade)_

**Q: What is their survival state called?**  
A: Hidden life. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Cryptobiosis) · Wikipedia: Tardigrade; Wikipedia: Cryptobiosis)_

**Q: What do they lose?**  
A: They dry out. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Metabolism) · Wikipedia: Cryptobiosis)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Tardigrade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tardigrade)
- [Wikipedia: Cryptobiosis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptobiosis)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Microscopic Extremophiles." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-307, last updated Aug 24, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/microscopic-extremophiles/