waterbear plush giantmicrobes giant microbes hibernate bear water slow walker tardigrade cryptobiosis plush ages 3+ unique microbiology biology biologist animals
waterbear plush giantmicrobes giant microbes hibernate bear water slow walker tardigrade cryptobiosis plush ages 3+ unique microbiology biology biologist animals
waterbear plush giantmicrobes giant microbes hibernate bear water slow walker tardigrade cryptobiosis plush ages 3+ unique microbiology biology biologist animals
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Water Bear

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This smallest bear in the world can hibernate for decades before coming back to life! One of the more fascinating organisms in the microsphere is the common tardigrade – technically speaking, “slow walker.” First described in 1773 by Johann August Ephraim Goeze as “kleiner Wasserbär,” these “little Waterbears” are unusually hardy. By entering a state of cryptobiosis – a kind of super-hibernation where the metabolism becomes inactive – waterbears can survive in boiling water, and at temperatures very close to absolute zero. They can dry out and survive 99% dehydrated for decades. They can survive a thousand times more radiation than humans can. They can even survive in the vacuum of outer space!
  • Giantmicrobes are based on actual microbes, cells, organisms and other critters, only 1,000,000 times actual size!
  • Each plush microbe includes a printed card with fun, educational and fascinating facts about the actual microbe or cell.
  • Surface washable: sponge with water & soap, air dry.
  • Material: Plush from all new materials. Stuffed with polyester fiber fill. 
  • Age Range: 3+