The tardigrade ability to survive in a desiccated state not
only helps with primary colonization, but also offers survival
over longer periods. It is a popular myth that tardigrades can
survive in the desiccated form for over 100 years. Recent studies
have demonstrated that the period is closer to 7 years for herbarium
and 8 years for samples kept at 20°C. This is still an
impressive ability for any animal to survive adverse conditions.