Micro Animals vs. Microorganisms

Check it out, Defenders! You've seen all the life around us like plants, trees, people, insects, and animals. But did you know that the oldest and most abundant forms of life are so tiny you can't see them without a microscope? That's right, I'm talking about microorganisms and micro-animals! Although that sounds like two words that mean the same thing, you'll learn the differences between micro animals and microorganisms.

Both microorganisms and micro-animals are forms of life so tiny, they require a microscope to observe. However, microorganism refers to microscopic single-celled or a group/colony of single celled organisms living together. Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi. Some microorganisms are helpful to humans by helping us digest food and killing harmful bacteria. Others, like viruses, can make us sick. Scientists now believe that viruses are the most abundant form of life on the planet! Micro-animals, however, refers to animals that are so small, they can only be seen with a microscope. This includes tiny animals like spider mites, water bears, and brine shrimp AKA sea monkeys. So just because Although no one will ever blame you for calling a micro-animal a microorganism, now you know the difference.