Tardigrades

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

• also known as water 'bears' (due to how they 31 ) and 'moss piglets'

Physical appearance

• a 32  round body and four pairs of legs

• claws or 33  for gripping

• absence of respiratory organs

• body filled with a liquid that carries both 34  and blood

• mouth shaped like a 35  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 36

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 37  ensures their DNA is not damaged.

• Research is underway to find out how many days they can stay alive in 38 .

Feeding

• consume liquids, e.g., those found in moss or 39

• may eat other tardigrades

Conservation status

• They are not considered to be 40