Morphology M. tardigradum has a symmetrical body with eight legs; it uses claws—a distinctive feature of this tardigrade species. The total length of the body varies, with some measuring up to 0.7 mm in length.
M. tardigradum have been found to possess a high level of
radioresistance. In 2007, individuals of two tardigrade species,
Richtersius coronifer and
M. tardigradum, were subject to the
radiation, near-
vacuum, and near-
absolute zero conditions of
outer space as part of the
European Space Agency's
Biopan-6 experiment. Three specimens of
M. tardigradum survived. The
M. tardigradum can cope with high amounts of environmental stress by initiating cryptobiosis. During this state, the internal organic clock of
M. tardigradum halts, thus the cryptobiotic state does not contribute to the
aging process.
Nutrition M. tardigradum is an
omnivorous predator. It typically feeds on other small organisms, such as
algae,
rotifers, and
nematodes. There have also been recorded cases of
M. tardigradum feeding on other smaller tardigrades. ==Evolution==