[Title fragment 1.1] [Title fragment 1.2] [Title fragment 1.3]
[Title fragment 2.1] [Title fragment 2.2] [Title fragment 2.3]
[Title fragment 3.1] [Title fragment 3.2] [Title fragment 3.3]

Revival - do it yourself experiment (Part 2)

In the  last issue  of the WBwb we have learnt how to desiccate a water bear without doing any harm to it - in a slightly water vapour leaking micro-aquarium. Afterwards the dry water bear 'tuns' should look as follows:


[ tardigrade dry state, 'tun' ]


Small eutardigrade in the dry state, amidst salt efflorescences deposited during the evaporation of the water droplet. As seen from below (ventral view). Tun length ca. 0.1 mm.


or like this:


[ tardigrade dry state, 'tun' ]


Tardigrade  Ramazzottius oberhaeuseri  in the dry state.
Top view (dorsal view). Tun length ca. 0.1 mm.


or like this:


[ tardigrade dry state, 'tun' ]


Big tardigrade in the dry state. Detail view with eyes, bucchal tube, faintly visible stylets and partially filled stomach. Strong transmitted light.
Image width ca. 0.1 mm.


Now everything can happen quickly as a natural rainfall would have the same effect: open the micro-aquarium and  gently  place a big drop of tap water or rain water on the tun by means of a pipette. Stay cool like James B., close the micro-aquarium with calm hands - take care to keep the drop in the center. Put the micro-aquarium under your microscope, use modest (not too hot!) light, do your focus work and

watch !  (wmv-Video, 1 MB) !

We want to be honest and tell you that not every experiment will be a full success: Sometimes the tun will be swirled around by the droplet and dance around in tiny droplet turbulences. Nasty air bubbles might attach to the tun. In the worst case scenario the tun might be washed to the micro-aquarium edges where you will neither be able to watch nor to film it. Sometimes, after a successful beginning, strange micro flows will arise, grip the tun like invisible ghosts and wash it away. Be aware of the fact that too much illumination and the resulting heat will drive the oxygen out of the tiny water droplet - and the tardigrade needs it urgently for its revival.
And, though you might consider us as hopeless softies: Behave irrational and altruistic - please put the water bear back on a wet moss cushion after the experiment. No point to prove that you are the stronger animal - it is just a matter of fairness and partnership.



© Text, images and video clips by  Martin Mach  (webmaster@baertierchen.de).
Water Bear web base is a licensed and revised version of the German language monthly magazine  Bärtierchen-Journal . Style and grammar amendments by native speakers are warmly welcomed.

Main Page