Reading — Test 47

Read the text and answer the question.

The tardigrade, a microscopic animal often called a water bear, has fascinated scientists for its survival skills. When its watery surroundings dry out, the creature pulls in its legs, expels most of its internal water, and curls into a dehydrated ball known as a tun. In this state, its metabolism nearly halts, and it can endure extreme cold, intense radiation, and even the vacuum of space. Once moisture returns, the tardigrade slowly absorbs water and revives within hours. Researchers study these abilities partly to improve methods of preserving fragile medicines without refrigeration.