Article
Article
Tardigrada
Article By:
Michalczyk, Lukasz Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom.
Last reviewed:June 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.678100
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A phylum of microscopic, bilaterally symmetrical, eight-legged invertebrates. The members of the phylum Tardigrada are commonly called tardigrades or water bears (Fig. 1). These microscopic animals [which measure typically less than 1 mm (0.04 in.) in length] have a worldwide distribution and are found in the overwhelming majority of habitats. Tardigrades are known widely for their cryptobiotic abilities (that is, capabilities to achieve a state in which the metabolic rate of the organism is reduced to an imperceptible level). There are at least 100 described genera of tardigrades, containing approximately 1300 species. See also: Cryptobiosis
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