Tardigrade. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a tardigrade or water bear (Echiniscus testudo) in its cryptobiotic tun (or barrel) state. The tardigrade is a tiny invertebrate that lives in coastal waters and freshwater habitats,as well as semi-aquatic terrestrial habitats like damp moss. It requires 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: x515 at 6x7cm size | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Power And Syred |
Taille de l’image : | 3480 px × 2484 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
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