Does Antarctica have high or low biodiversity?
With such a low NPP to start with, Antarctic ecosystems cannot develop long food chains or support large vertebrate consumers; and biodiversity is low. The largest animals supported by these ecosystems are two types of midges!
Why is Antarctica biodiversity important?
There is a growing body of evidence that Antarctic organisms, ecosystems and biodiversity are responding to climate change. The Census of Antarctic Marine Life (CAML) was invaluable in providing a baseline for the marine environment that can be used to recognize future change.
Is Antarctica a biodiversity hotspot?
Scientists have found that on the desolate Antarctic peninsula, nitrogen-rich poop from colonies of penguins and seals enriches the soil so well that it helps create biodiversity hotspots throughout the region. …
What is the biodiversity like in Antarctica?
The Antarctic continent is isolated from the rest of the world by the Southern Ocean and successful natural colonization events are rare. As a result, terrestrial biodiversity is low and comprised of simple plants (e.g. mosses, lichens, liverworts) and animals (e.g. flies, mites and springtails).
What do you know about biodiversity?
Biodiversity is a term used to describe the enormous variety of life on Earth. … Biodiversity refers to every living thing, including plants, bacteria, animals, and humans. Scientists have estimated that there are around 8.7 million species of plants and animals in existence.
Why is Antarctica the perfect place to study nature a untouched by human ecosystems has no billboards D has no dogs but seals E lacks biodiversity?
Answer: Antarctica is the only place in the world which has never sustained a human population. … Antarctica has a simple ecosystem and lack of biodiversity. It is, therefore, a perfect place to study how little changes in the environment can have big repercussions.
Where in Antarctica can you find a hotspot?
A “hotspot” is melting the base of the Antarctic Ice Sheet at the South Pole.
- A “hotspot” is melting the base of the Antarctic Ice Sheet at the South Pole.
- The area affected is three times that of Greater London.
- Scientists suspect a combination of unusually radioactive rocks and geothermal springs may be responsible.