Page 14 - Highlights for Children (April 2020)

Tardigrades are
MYSC This one doesn’t look
nearly see-through!

transparent because the
Tardigrades
image was made by a
are as small as special microscope, then

a grain of salt. colored so it would
Salt-Sized By Robert Lerose show up better.

The tiny tardigrade, a slow-moving
invertebrate also called a “water
bear” or “moss piglet,” is found
on every continent. Most live in

land environments, in soils or on A tubular
mosses and lichens. But they are organ in its
aquatic creatures and need at mouth
least a thin film of water sucks fluids

to be active. Without it, from tiny
these super survivors
dry up and their plants and
body processes animals.
nearly stop. Add
moisture, and

they become
active
again.

It uses six of
Without water, its puffy
its eight legs
body folds itself into a dry
to walk. The
form called a “tun.” It
rear legs face
looks like a tiny raisin. In
backward and
this protective state, it
can grab things.
can survive big changes
in oxygen levels,

temperature, and air
pressure—even the vacuum

and radiation of space!

the sides of the glass. Now pour in water

to fill the glass. Where’s the sticker?! You
Disappearing Act
N Now Try This: Put a sticker on the table. Cover can see it from above, but from the sides,
y you it with a clear drinking glass that has a flat it seems to have moved or disappeared!
s see Why? Think of your best answer, then read
i it . . . base and smooth sides. Walk around the
table, and you can see the sticker through our explanation on page 38.

12 APRIL 2020