Tardigrade. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a tardigrade or water bear (Echiniscus testudo) in its cryptobiotic tun (or barrel) state. Tardigrades are tiny invertebrates that live in coastal waters and freshwater habitats,as well as semi-aquatic terrestrial habitats like damp moss. They require water to obtain oxygen by gas exchange. The tun state is a response to a period of dessication. It contracts and extrudes a wax covering as its metabolism drops to near-zero. Addition of water will revive it. The tardigrade feeds on plant and animal cells. It is found throughout the world,from the tropics to the cold polar waters. Magnification: x455 at 6x7cm size | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Power And Syred |
Bildgröße: | 3466 px × 2466 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |