Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are tiny, water-dwelling animals that belong to the phylum Tardigrada. They typically measure between 0.3 and 0.5 millimeters in length and are known for their unique eight-legged appearance. Tardigrades can be found in various environments, including mosses, lichens, and even deep-sea sediments. One of the most remarkable features of tardigrades is their ability to survive extreme conditions. They can endure extreme temperatures, radiation, and even the vacuum of space by entering a state called cryptobiosis. In this state, their metabolic processes nearly stop, allowing them to survive for years without water or food.