Fig. 2. The length–frequency distribution of nematodes that survived anhydrobiosis compared with a matched control. Treated nematodes were preconditioned at 98% RH (relative humidity) for 48 h, desiccated for 24 h over activated silica gel, `prehydrated' at 100% RH for 24 h and rehydrated in M9 buffer for 24 h before survivors were isolated and measured. The control samples were maintained at 98% RH for 96 h and rehydrated in S Basal buffer for 24 h before survivors were isolated and their lengths determined.