The Tardigrade: Microscopic, Indestructible “Water Bears”

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A Calendar Entry
Water bear (Paramacrobiotus craterlaki) in moss. Color enhanced scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a water bear in its active state. Water bears (or tardigrades) are tiny invertebrates that live in aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats such as lichen and damp moss. They require water to obtain oxygen by gas exchange. In dry conditions, they can enter a cryptobiotic state of desiccation, known as a tun, to survive. In this state, water bears can survive for up to a decade. P. craterlaki is a carnivorous species that feeds on nematodes and rotifers. This specimen originated from moss samples in Crater Lake, Kenya. 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 high levels of radiation and the vacuum of space. Magnification: x333 when printed 10cm wide.. Eye of Science / Science Source
Calendar
When:
September 17, 2016 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
2016-09-17T14:00:00-07:00
2016-09-17T16:00:00-07:00
Where:
WET Science Center
500 Adams St
Lincoln, NE 68521
USA
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Cassie Norton
360-528-5731
Email
Event website
Family Events Kids Workshops, Classes and Lectures

Tardigrades (or water bears) are tiny creatures that live just about everywhere: moss, wastewater, hot springs, Antarctic ice, deep-sea trenches, and more. They’re one of the toughest animals on the planet and can survive extreme environments, including the severe cold and radiation of outer space! Hear more shocking facts, see cool photos, and search for tardigrades under the microscope at a 2pm presentation. Water bear crafts all day in the classroom.

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