The limit to which living organisms can thrive without moisture varies significantly between species. Most life forms, particularly plants and microorganisms, need some moisture to survive, with many unable to last more than a few days without it. More specifically, certain extremophiles, like desert organisms, can tolerate arid conditions by adaptations such as water retention strategies. Generally, parasitic bacteria can endure longer periods without moisture. However, most multicellular organisms, like mammals, require consistent water availability for cellular functions, making moisture critical for life.