Microscopic Animals
Microscopic animals, also known as microfauna, are tiny living organisms that can only be seen with a microscope. They include a variety of species such as rotifers, tardigrades, and protozoa. These animals play essential roles in ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as food for larger organisms.
Many microscopic animals thrive in diverse environments, including soil, freshwater, and marine habitats. They exhibit a wide range of shapes and behaviors, from the resilient tardigrades, which can survive extreme conditions, to the diverse protozoa, which can be found in various aquatic environments.