Antarctica Flashcards
1
Q
Antarctic hair grass
A
- This is one of two types of dlowering plant able to survive in Antarctica. It has long, shallow (lateral) roots to keep it grounded in the rock against strong winds. Its roots are shallow as the ground is permafrost so the roots can’t grow downwards into the ground.
- This plant self-pollinates using the winds, so it does not have rely on other plants. To reproduce, all that need to happen is for the pollen grains to travel from one flower to another of the same plant.
- It is very short, again protecting it against strong winds and frost.
2
Q
Penguins
A
- Penguins are white on their underside, and black on teir backs as a precaution against predators. When you look doen on it from above, a penguin will be camoflauged with the dark ocean below, and when you look at it from below, its white side blends in with the bright surface of the water.
- They have the highest Beta-Keratin gene count of any bird. This protein makes their feathers very short and stiff.
- Penguins also have a thick layer of blubber to insulate them against the cold.
3
Q
Paque Flower
A
- Each flower is covered in lots of tiny, silky hairs which help to insulate it.
- Like the Antarctic Hair Grass, it grows low to the ground to protect itself from strong winds,
- However, it can also extend its stems higher off the ground to increase its chance of successful seed dispersal in the wind.
4
Q
Arctic fox
A
- The Arctic Fox’s fur changes colour depending on the seasons: white in the winter for camouflage against snow and ice, the brown/grey in the summer to blend in with rocks of the tundra.
- They also have fur on the soles of their feet for grip on the ice.
- Arctic foxes have short ears and a small muzzle to minimise heat loss.
5
Q
Antarctica plant life
A
On Antarctica’s coast, a small amount of plant life, such as moss and algae, but, in the central parts of the continent, there is sometimes none at all.
6
Q
Main producers in the Antarctic foodchain
A
Phytoplankton
7
Q
A
