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AnimalsSurprise 5/5Difficulty 3/5Reviewed on September 13, 2026

Tardigrades can survive decades without water by entering a state called cryptobiosis.

Why it is true

When water is scarce, the tardigrade curls into a dry ball called a tun. In this state, its metabolism slows dramatically and it can withstand extreme temperatures, radiation and pressure until conditions improve.

Source: Nature

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