Tardigrade

Tardigrades are a worldwide group of small invertebrates measuring up to 1 mm. They feed by sucking cells of plants and animals with their sharp stylets. But they are particularly known for their ability to survive in extreme conditions.

They can be found under the ice, in hot springs, in the soil or in the desert. Most species prefer moist areas. When conditions worsen they are able to enter the state of anabiosis at which they almost completely desiccate. In this state, they are able to survive incredible conditions, e.g. a temperature near absolute zero (-272°C), or conversely a temperature of 150°C for several minutes. They are also the only organisms that can survive in the space for a few days! Not surprisingly then, in a "friendly" temperature of -20°C they can survive at least 30 years.