In: Biology
- Identify at least three characteristics that Tardigrada share with members of the phylum Arthropoda?
- Identify at least two ways that they differ from members of the phylum Arthropoda.
- What is cryptobiosis and what advantage does it confer on an organism?
- Arthropods represent the cumulation of evolutionary development in the protostomes. identify at least three characteristics that contribute to their success. Briefly, explain the selective advantage of each.
Hi,
Tardigrades are the water dweling micro-animals. They are close
relatives with arthropoda with whome they share several characters.
The tardigrades share three tubular galnds in rectum, similar to
malpighian tubules of arthropods. They both have chitinous cuticle
which molts. Both share similar striated muscles and lack motile
cilia. They both have ventralnerve cord.
Apparently there are several characters which differ between these two clades. The entire body axis of tardigrades arehomologous to only the head region of arthropods. The cuticle is not calsified.
Cryptobiosis is a physiological state where the metabolic rate goes extremely low and often below detectable levels. The cryptobiosis offers several advantages to the organism such as, survival during harsh environment, extreme nutrient starvation, presence of predators...etc. Tardigrades often assume cryptobiosis form to survive in the harsh niche.