In the new study, the researchers analyzed DNA sequences from 130 soil samples collected from different regions of Denmark.
They could see that the vast majority of the samples contained DNA from microscopic water bears.
What is unique about the tardigrade
Tardigrades (Tardigrada) are microscopic creatures that can rightly be called the most tenacious animals: it is believed that they will survive any apocalypse that destroys humanity.
Tardigrades, they are also tardigrads, are known as the most tenacious animal on Earth. They are almost impossible to kill - a tardigrade can be frozen, boiled, crushed, irradiated, and still it will survive.
If a group of tardigrades is irradiated with radiation (570,000 roentgens), then about 50% of the “subjects” survive. At the same time, the lethal dose of radiation for humans is only 500 roentgens. Tardigrades also withstand extreme dehydration, retaining a proportion of water of 1-2% of their body weight.
How many years does a tardigrade live
Small water bears live for 3-4 months, some species - up to two years, not counting the unfavorable periods of drying up of small reservoirs or mosses. Some species of tardigrades survive in such conditions by falling into anhydria (dehydrating themselves).
