2006-12-08 13:35:06 · 17 answers · asked by Liz S 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
"Mycoplasma genitalium":
"Its size is given as 0.2 to 0.3 µm (micrometers). A µm is one millionth of a meter (or one thousandth of a millimeter). An average bacterium, like E. coli, is about 1 µm by 3 µm (it has a rod shape). A red blood cell is 8 µm in diameter and the average human cell is about 25 µm across."
2006-12-08 13:52:57 · answer #1 · answered by Darkwings 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't really improve on BrianBucks's answer: yes, there are plenty of micro-organisms that can be classed as animals. Even when we aren't talking of particularly small organisms, there are plenty of mites that would be smaller than your average ant.
If you were to go even smaller, you *might* suggest that viruses are alive (though certainly not animals). However, viruses don't respire, feed or even properly reproduce (they need host cells). Viruses can't move themselves either- they're better thought of, I think as floating fragments of genetic material enclosed in a protein shells, that occasionally happen to be absorbed by a cell and incorporated into its DNA.
2006-12-08 13:46:56 · answer #2 · answered by Jim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bacteria are probably the smallest things that are definately alive.
It's debated right now, but if it turns out that they are alive, than viruses would be the smallese thing alive. They reproduce (though they need another cell to do it) and they are much much smaller than bacteria.
2006-12-09 08:29:47 · answer #3 · answered by George B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh heck yes! Study microbiolgy! It is great it will make you wash your hands all the time!
As far as animals we have many single cell animals like amoeba and paramecium and then bigger like hydra and then some worms and mites are pretty small. Look up some freaky stuff like the Water bear! Pretty cool and freaky looking. I think it is in the microns in size. Cool pics too! http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/StratfordLandingES/Ecology/mpages/water_bear.htm
2006-12-08 13:40:37 · answer #4 · answered by BrianBucks 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mycoplasma sp. are the smallest prokaryotes capable of self replication. And yes, it is a germ.
2006-12-08 13:43:01 · answer #5 · answered by coldflesh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Protozoa, zooplankton, bacteria, and phytoplankton are some of the microscopic animals.
2006-12-08 13:44:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah!! Lots Mites and Triteens!
They're like smaller than atoms!! Or parasites!
Ugh I hate bugs!
2006-12-08 15:46:35 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa B 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
microorganisms are the smallest things alive although some will argue if they really are alive at all.
2006-12-08 13:42:01 · answer #8 · answered by toyee 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone is wrong, the smallest living thing is the brain of the person that asked this question.
2006-12-08 14:57:08 · answer #9 · answered by Tictac9699 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
no, microscopic kinds of plankton are moreknow to be the smallest!
2006-12-08 14:11:32 · answer #10 · answered by minney mouse! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋