March 8, 2013: Tardigrade

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http://www.popsci.com.au/science/if-earth-were-hosting-an-alien-species-this-is-what-it-would-look-like

These crazy little freaks are darn near unkillable.

known to be able to go for decades without food or water, to survive temperatures from near absolute zero to well above the boiling point of water, to survive pressures from near zero to well above that on ocean floors, and to survive direct exposure to dangerous radiations.

So, just for kicks, I guess, the European space chaps stuck some of these on the outside of a rocket that went into orbit for 12 days, then reentered. No problems, it seems.

I wonder what would happen if we carpet bombed Mars with these guys. What would Mars be like in 100 million years? I suppose the would need some sort of food.

Looks like a pigcamera wearing khaki.

Gravdigr;856112 wrote:

Looks like a pigcamera wearing khaki.

That is the most awesome description of a tardigrade.

I've yet to see a photo of those things that looks even remotely real.