[Animals] They find a new species of tardigrade, the microscopic animals that can live in outer space

[#Wittels-]

More massive and robust, the new species of tardigrade found in Kyrgyzstan confirms the tolerance to adverse environments that these microscopic animals have.
Viewed under a microscope, tardigrades are plump creatures with 4 rows of short legs. Because of the way they move—almost clumsily—the scientific community refers to them colloquially as 'water bears'. depending on the species, its body is between 0.05 and 1.2 mm long, at most.

Despite their minuscule dimensions, the more than 300 species of tardigrades recorded on the planet have one characteristic in common. All have proven to be strongly resistant to drought, lack of food and cosmic radiation. Recently, one more species was added to the list: they were called Cornechiniscus mystacinus, a much more robust genus than the others, native to the highest peaks of Central Asia.

 

What are tardigrades and where do they live?

Colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a water bear, or tardigrade (phylum Tardigrada) / Getty Images
Tardigrades are segmented microscopic animals that inhabit aquatic environments and humid environments. Some of their favorite places to live are mosses and lichens, for example. They are also known as 'extremophiles', due to their extraordinary ability to survive in precarious conditions for many years.

On average, explains Science News, a tardigrade can live up to 60 years. It can go half its life without food or water, and it will still function properly. And what's more: they are capable of withstanding 1000 times more radiation than any other living being on Earth, including human beings. For this reason, they have been the subject of scientific study for long-term space travel.

Recently, a research team from the Department of Invertebrate Evolution at the Jagiellonian University in Poland found a new species of tardigrade, never before analyzed in history. Larger and more robust, their appearance confirms the multiplicity of genera that the species currently has.

How are tardigrades found in Central Asia?

 

The new species of tardigrade was named Cornechiniscus mystacinus. Researchers at the university in Poland say that they are "mainly found in the mountains surrounding Tashkömür in the Jalalabat region of northern Kyrgyzstan," according to a statement. The study was published.

In addition to documenting the existence of Cornechiniscus mystacinus, this finding sheds new light on the hypothesis that the genus originates from Central Asia. It appears that the species is sexually dimorphic, with females being smaller while males are slimmer.

 

Like other tardigrade species, they live on lichens and mosses exposed to prolonged periods of drought, the authors explain. Also, it may be found on every continent except Australasia and Antarctica.

 

Link: https://www.ngenespanol.com/animales/encuentran-una-nueva-especie-de-tardigrado-en-kirguistan/