There are many different and unique animals living in the polar biomes. Antarctica doesn't have any land animals. Just birds and sea animals, because it is so cold and Antarctica is surrounded by sea the land animals would have no where to migrate during winter, also Antarctica is mostly always covered by snow so there not enough plants to eat. On the other hand the Arctic
is surrounded by land so animals can migrate during the cold winters to warmer areas, and the Arctic has more plant life than the Antarctic because the summers are slightly warmer. Penguins: Antarctica has 7 different penguin species. They have adapted to the cold conditions by having very dense feathers and a fat layer under the skin to act as insulation.The Emperor penguins huddle together to keep warm and the eggs are kept off the ground. Polar Bears: are only found in the Arctic they have thick oily fur and a layer of blubber under the skin for warmth, they hibernate during winter to avoid the cold temperatures and their feet have hairs on the soles to help it walk on the slippery ice and snow. Their feet are also like snow shoes. Seals: Both the Arctic and Antarctica have seals. These have adapted to the cold climates by having layers of blubber/fat for insulation, this allows them to keep warm while swimming in freezing cold waters. They can dive underwater for long periods of time, they have whiskers to be able to feel in the dark and both areas have times where it is only dark for a few months. Antarctica only has one percent of land that is ice free, so there are not many pants that are able to grow there.One plant that can survive are lichens. Lichens can survive very cold temperatures and live in cracks between rocks to be able to have access to water. The Arctic has over 1700 species of plants that live on the tundra. The tundra has permafrost and is frozen all year round with only a thin layer of soil so only small plants can grow there. Pasque Flower: is a flowering plant That has adapted to the cold environment by having a shallow root system. It is covered by fine silky hairs for insulation, and grows close to the ground. It is able to photosynthesise in cold temperatures. It is found in the Arctic Arctic Poppy: has adapted by growing close to the ground, shallow root system and having a flower head that follows the sun. It has cup shaped petals that help absorb solar energy. |