Scientists have discovered a new species of tardigrade in a 16-million-year-old piece of amber. Amber is fossilised tree resin (resin is a kind of liquid produced by trees).

What are tardigrades?

Tardigrades or water bears are actually tiny eight-legged animals that can be seen only under a microscope. They are one of the toughest creatures on Earth.

It is very rare to find a tardigrade fossil – only three have been found so far. The fossil is from the Cenozoic era, beginning 66 million years ago.

Tardigrades can often be found in moss or ponds, but they can survive for years without water.

How did they make the tardigrade discovery?

Scientists were studying ants trapped in the amber when they noticed something unusual. They noticed the tardigrade’s tiny claws and realised what it was.

It is a new species of tardigrade called Paradoryphoribius chronocaribbeus.

Scientists are amazed by this very rare discovery and are very excited about it.

 

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