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Tardigrade: size, dimension and comparison

The adopted reference is about 500 µm.

Representative length

500 µm = 0.5 mm. A micron (µm) is a millimeter divided by 1,000.

Eight legs ending in claws are characteristic of this microscopic animal.

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Tardigrade, interpreted illustration
Interpreted illustration · dimension stated in the fact sheet.

What does this number measure?

Eight legs ending in claws characterise this microscopic animal. Displayed dimension: representative length.

Compare the stated dimensions

The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.

Compare with Rotifer in the explorer →

Source and limitations

Catalogue value to check against the source; not individually audited.

Interpretive microscopic illustration of a tardigrade; tissue texture and transparency are interpreted, not photographic.