Tardigrades or water bears comprise the phylum Tardigrada; they are small, segmented animals, similar and are probably related to the Arthropods. Tardigrades were first described by J.A.E. Goeze in 1773 (kleiner Wasserbär = little water bear). The name Tardigrada means "slow walker" and was given by Spallanzani in 1776. Tardigrades are small animals. The biggest adults may reach a body length of 1.5 mm, the smallest below 0.1 mm. Freshly hatched larvae may be smaller than 0.05 mm.
Most tardigrades are phytophagous or bacteriophagous, but some are predators (e.g. Milnesium tardigradum). The species Beorn leggi has been recorded from Canadian Cretaceous amber. Aysheaia from the middle Cambrian Burgess shale might be related to tardigrades.

Marine Tardigrada - Literature and taxonomy listings. A picture of Parastygarctus higginsi Renaud-Debyser, 1965.
A tardigrade from Scotland - A tardigrade from Scotland - Isohypsibius annulatus
Meta Description: [ A tardigrade from Scotland ]
Hunting for 'bears' in the backyard - looking for 'water bears' - Illustrated method for finding terrestrial tardigrades.
Meta Description: [ water bears, tardigrades ]
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Minor Invertebrate Phyla - Phylum Tardigrada - This is a brief introduction to Tardigrada, or water bears, from the Biological Sciences of the University of Paisley.
Nigel Marley's Tardigrada Research - Brief resume of Tardigrada research at University of Plymouth.
Phylum Tardigrada - A thorough outline of the biology of the tardigrades, including their features, life cycle, classification and ecology.
Tardigrada - discussion list - This list is for the exchange of ideas, news and information requests concerning all aspects of Tardigrada (waterbear) biology. Participation is welcomed from anyone with an interest in the Tardigrada.
Tardigrade Animations Gallery - Water bear microphotographs, video clips, and links.
Meta Description: [ Here are the tardigrades (microscopic waterbears) - most amazing creatures - become an addict! ]
Tardigrades - Introduction, taxonomy, and links for the phylum Tardigrada (waterbears, Bärtierchen). In German and English.
Meta Description: [ Tardigrades are an invertebrate phylum. Site contains informations to biology, taxonomy and links. Tardigraden sind ein Stamm der wirbellosen Tiere. ]
Tardigrades (Water Bears) - Photomicrographs and video clip by Martin Mach.
Meta Description: [ Tardigrades *** Water Bears *** Tardigrada *** Tardigraden *** Wasserbären ]
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Tardigrades (Waterbears) - Research on this species at the Swedish Museum of Natural History.
The Incredible Water Bear - Article illustrated with still images and video clips.
Meta Description: [ The incredible water bear, with stills and video clips ]
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