Journal article
Adaptations to environmental extremes by multicellular organisms
International journal of astrobiology, Vol.6(3), pp.199-215
07/09/2007
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/104466
Abstract
Microbes, particularly Archaea, are well-known for their superb adaptation to extreme environments. However, amazing adaptations to extreme stresses do not only occur in microbes, but also in many multicellular organisms. Examples include tardigrades and their capability to survive freezing to near absolute zero, the Pompeii worm withstanding temperatures of up to 105°C, the Crucian carp remaining active in anoxic conditions for several months, and resurrection plants, which can survive near-complete desiccation. Here, we review some of the cryptobiotic strategies and adaptations exhibited in multicellular organisms, and point out their relevance to astrobiology.
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Details
- Title
- Adaptations to environmental extremes by multicellular organisms
- Creators
- Mohammed Riajul Islam - School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA e-mail: dirksm@wsu.eduDirk Schulze-Makuch - School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA e-mail: dirksm@wsu.edu
- Publication Details
- International journal of astrobiology, Vol.6(3), pp.199-215
- Academic Unit
- Crop and Soil Sciences, Department of
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press; Cambridge, UK
- Number of pages
- 17
- Identifiers
- 99900546790601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article