This is a Rotifer Polyarthra. Rotifers are the smallest animals on earth. This one is only 150 micrometers long (0.15 mm). This is a female. We can clearly see 5 nuclei in the vitallarium (a modified part of the ovary) and yellow yolk. Rotifers have existed for at least 35 million years as they have been identified in fossilized amber. They only live for about 1-2 weeks. Under tough conditions (e.g. drought), rotifers can go into a desiccated state as a cyst or egg that can survive for decades without any signs of aging. The cysts can be carried by the wind and allow the rotifer to spread and escape harmful conditions. Once it finds water, the rotifers come back to life!
I have always been curious about the invisible. As a scientist by heart and education, I am inspired by looking beyond what you can see with the naked eye, whether it is distant stars or microscopic life forms. My work focus on unveiling the beautiful treasures of nature. A place where art and science meet. Photography brings an artistic sense to science and through my photographs, I aim to spark curiosity and create awareness of the ecological significance of microscopic life forms. My images are all about small life forms telling grand stories. The amazing thing is, it’s so close ...
This is a gallery-quality giclée art print on 100% cotton rag archival paper, printed with archival inks. Each art print is listed by sheet size and features a minimum one-inch border.
