Distribution of tardigrade cryptobiotic abilities across a fine-scale habitat gradient

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, we examine the distribution of cryptobiotic abilities, specifically anhydrobiosis and cryobiosis, in tardigrade communities across a habitat gradient from the edge to the centre of a forest bordering a desert. Our study demonstrates no correlation between desiccation and freezing tolerance at the community level. However, communities inhabiting the forest centre show higher cryptobiotic performance, likely due to better energy reserves indicated by slower mortality rates during fasting. The observed distribution pattern of cryptobiotic abilities cannot be explained by differences in community compositions or body sizes, as these variables were uniform across the gradient. Our research highlights the significance of environmental factors in shaping cryptobiotic responses and sheds light on the functional characteristics underlying the distribution of tardigrades in fine-scale habitat gradients. Our findings also challenge the hypothesis of a correlation between desiccation and freezing tolerance in cryptobiotic organisms.