Tardigrades, aka water bears, have been called “the most indestructible animal on earth.” They grow to be barely more than a millimeter.
National Geographic bestowed the title upon these little guys. According to them, tardigrades are expected to avoid extinction for the next six billion years, until the sun blows up and becomes a red giant.
They’d be safe from asteroids, since they can live at “volcanic vents at the bottom of the ocean.” Tardigrades can also survive without food or water for up to 30 years, aren’t affected by temperature extremes or radiation exposure, and can even live in space.
