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How can a tardigrade survive by becoming inactive?

Becoming inactive is not simply giving up. As Richtersius coronifer dries, it withdraws its limbs and reorganizes its body into a compact state called a tun. Researchers investigated the active preparation needed for that transition, then checked recovery after rehydration. The remarkable question is how a body preserves the possibility of restarting, rather than continuing normal activity without water.

3–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • What would count as convincing evidence that an inactive animal had survived and recovered?
  • How does an inactive tardigrade's state differ from normal active survival in the same conditions?

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