What this post is really about is water bears, properly called "tardigrades." I don't know if anyone has ever heard of these amazing little creatures before, but I was telling Jordan and I think also Mia about them several weeks ago when we were studying for exams and I meant to post pictures of them to the blog for everyone's edification, but I forgot until just now.
Here's what they look like:
I heard about water bears while taking a class called "The History of Earth and Life" (a very good class to take if you're historically minded and hate science because this class is taught like a social science class, but it fulfills a natural science requirement) several years ago. They were the prof's favorite thing. Water bears, so called because they only need water to live - and even so, not very much - are found all over the world, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest peaks of the Himalayan mountains, from both polls to the equator and almost everywhere in between. They like moist environments best, so are not commonly found in deserts. They have been known to survive being dehydrated (at 1% of their normal hydration) for at least 120 years, and they can also survive in the vacuum of space. They can survive in a frozen state for years and years at a time. And for micro-organisms, they're kinda cute. They look like bears to some people, although I think some of them also look kind of like moles.
By far the coolest videos I've found of them moving are here and here. (Make sure the speakers on your computer are turned down, some of the videos play weird music.)
And you can go here for tips on how to find them in your own back-yard and see them (assuming you have access to at least a low powered microscope), and also to see another cool video clip.
;D
~Rachael
3 comments:
This is the most disgusting, revolting, repulsive, nauseating, ghastly, sickeningly hair-raising thing I have laid eyes on in a long time!!!
(but hey, it's for educational purposes, so thanks for posting)
Counting hours now, not days! At this time tomorrow, I will be flying to the great ATL to catch my connection! Much love to all,
E.
LOL! They're usually not found inside houses, and certainly not in their active state. And they're never found on people or in bedding or anything. And even if they were, they're utterly harmless... So don't worry! ;D
Have a great flight!
you were telling me after the final..I thought they were little bears you could have as a pet...ina fish tank...or something
hahaha
-Stacey
Post a Comment