Tardigrades are earth's toughest creatures

  • Thread starter Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the resilience and adaptability of tardigrades, often referred to as the toughest creatures on Earth. Participants explore their unique characteristics and compare their toughness to that of other microorganisms, such as bacteria and archaea, particularly those that form spores.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express fascination with tardigrades and their ability to survive in extreme conditions.
  • There is a question regarding how toughness is defined scientifically, with some agreeing that tardigrades are likely the toughest type of animal.
  • Others challenge the notion that tardigrades are tougher than certain bacterial or archaeal species, particularly those that can form spores.
  • A participant humorously notes that while spores may be resilient, they do not resemble creatures.
  • Another participant provides a personal anecdote about searching for tardigrades in natural environments, highlighting their appeal and the difficulty in finding them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the fascinating nature of tardigrades and their resilience, but there is disagreement regarding the definition of toughness and whether tardigrades can be considered tougher than some microorganisms.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks a clear definition of "toughness" and does not resolve the comparison between tardigrades and other microorganisms, leaving the criteria for toughness open to interpretation.

Greg Bernhardt
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These guys are fascinating and if you've been watching the Cosmos show you'll know about them. Apparently they can live just about anywhere and live in some of the worlds harshest conditions!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tardigrade

Cute guy too!
 

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Oh, I loved those guys!
 
How would toughness be defined scientifically? I'd agree that they are probably the toughest type of animal, but it would be hard to believe that they'd be "tougher" than some bacterial or archaeal species, especially ones that form spores.
 
Ygggdrasil said:
How would toughness be defined scientifically? I'd agree that they are probably the toughest type of animal, but it would be hard to believe that they'd be "tougher" than some bacterial or archaeal species, especially ones that form spores.

True, but those spores don't look much like a creature :)
 
Ygggdrasil said:
How would toughness be defined scientifically? I'd agree that they are probably the toughest type of animal, but it would be hard to believe that they'd be "tougher" than some bacterial or archaeal species, especially ones that form spores.
Definition of a creature: an animal, as distinct from a human being :biggrin:
 
One of the little guys, alive, under the microscope. Pretty amazing videography.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
They're very cute. My friend and I used to go around hunting among pond scum and moss under the microscope to find them, but could never find a convincing specimen. Need to give it another go.
 

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