Water bears are genetic mash-ups

Tardigrade species swipes DNA chunks from other organisms

water bear

NO WATER, NO PROBLEM  Known as water bears, tardigrades (one seen under a light microscope) are famous for withstanding desiccation. Drying out allows the animals to absorb DNA from other organisms, which may confer stress tolerance.

Sinclair Stammers

Water bears may be the ultimate borrowers.