Tardigrades

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Questions 1 - 10:

Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer. 

Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer. 

Tardigrades

• more than 1,000 species, 0.05- 1.2 millimetres long

also known as water 'bears' (due to how they 1) and 'moss piglets'

Physical appearance

• a 2 round body and four pairs of legs

claws or 3 for gripping

absence of respiratory organs

body filled with a liquid that carries both 4 and blood

mouth shaped like a 5 with teeth called stylets

Habitat

• often found at the bottom of a lake or on plants

• very resilient and can exist in very low or high 6

Cryptobiosis

• In dry conditions, they roll into a ball called a 'tun'.

• They stay alive with a much lower metabolism than usual.

• A type of 7 ensures their DNA is not damaged.

• Research is underway to find out how many days they can stay alive in 8.

Feeding

• consume liquids, e.g., those found in moss or 9

• may eat other tardigrades

Conservation status

• They are not considered to be 10.