Antarctic tardigrades a biological model for geobiology and astrobiology studies: a review

Abstract

Tardigrades (commonly known as "water bears") are microscopic animals whose bodies are usually less than 1 mm long, they are microscopic bilaterian organisms that belong to the phylum Tardigrada. These organisms are best known for initiating and maintaining a state of dormancy known as cryptobiosis. This ability allows them to survive in unfavorable environments and to inhabit places characterized by extreme temperatures, variable water availability, etc. (e.g., Antarctica). Antarctica is of great scientific interest, as the extreme environmental conditions require unique adaptive traits expressed by the organisms inhabiting this region. The presence of tardigrades in Antarctica has been scientifically documented, and their characteristics could be strategic in developing geobiological, astrobiological, and other areas of knowledge.