What is a tardigrade?

I don't know.

A tardigrade is one of the smallest animals.

It can grow only about 1 millimeter or less in length.

However, it is the toughest animal in the whole world.

It cannot be tougher than me.

All right.

Now listen.

Scientists say that tardigrades can survive in extremely inhospitable environments.

But how?

When the environment is inhospitable, the tardigrades enter a state called cryptobiosis.

In cryptobiosis, they curl up into a ball like structure called tun.

All their metabolic processes almost stop.

In this state, tardigrades can survive in about minus 459 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even in about 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

They can live deep in the oceans and withstand the huge pressure of water.

They can even survive in the vacuum of space and can withstand radiation.

Later, when the conditions are stable, they again come back to their normal form.

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