SCIENCE
biology
Searching for tardigrades in the Himalayas Tardigrades are water-dwelling, segmented micro-animals that are also
known as ‘water bears’. While they are near-microscopic, these organisms are sometimes described as ‘nearly indestructable’ because of their unique resilience to extreme environments, such as the bottom of the ocean and the edge of hydrothermal events. However, they are not only found in stressed conditions, as they occupy the majority of the globe. In our interview with Yashas Devasurmutt, who researches tardigrades, we find out more about these tiny animals, and what makes them so successful. Yashas Devasurmutt recently visited the Himalayas to seek out the presence of tardigrades, with the assistance of a handy microscope, called ‘Foldscope’.
© Yashas Devasur mutt
Above: ‘Me and Foldscope at Khardung La.’ © Yashas Devasurmutt
© NatureVolve digital magazine.
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