Daily News Analysis » May 2024 » Batillipes chandrayaani: 2 May 2024

Batillipes chandrayaani: 2 May 2024

Researchers at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) have discovered a new species of marine tardigrade from the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu, naming it Batillipes chandrayaani in honor of India's Chandrayaan-3 moon mission.

Why in News?

  • Researchers at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) have discovered a new species of marine tardigrade from the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu, naming it Batillipes chandrayaani in honor of India’s Chandrayaan-3 moon mission.

About Batillipes Chandrayaani:

  • Discovery Location: Mandapam, Tamil Nadu.
  • Features:
    • Size: Approximately 0.15 millimeters in length and 0.04 millimeters in width.
    • Appearance: Trapezoid-shaped head and four pairs of legs, each equipped with sharp-tipped sensory spines.
    • Morphology: Similar in both male and female.

What are Tardigrades?

  • Common Name: Often referred to as ‘water bears’.
  • Habitat: Found in marine environments as well as all the world’s oceans, comprising about 17% of all known tardigrade species.
  • Resilience: Known for their extraordinary survival capabilities, tardigrades can withstand extreme conditions that would be fatal to most other life forms, contributing to their reputation as one of the most resilient animals known.