Flora and Fauna of Antarctica

Flora and Fauna of Antarctica

By Dr. Kyle Muller

Antarctica is a large frozen land layer surrounded by southern ocean, with approximate dimensions of 13 million km2is considered as the sixth continent and is located in the south of the planet. The flora and fauna of the South Pole have a great adaptation over time due to the extreme conditions of the area, and the life of both vegetables and animals, mainly, is limited to coastal areas.

If you want to know more about the Antarctic Bioma, then do not stop reading this interesting ecology article that will focus mainly on the Flora and Fauna of Antarctica.

Characteristics of the Flora and Fauna of Antarctica

Despite the Antarctica climatein it you can find a lot of species of flora and fauna of both land and sea.

The Antarctica flora mainly formed by lower vegetablesthat is, species of lichens, fungi and mosses. Licans being the best adapted to the climatic conditions of the territory. In general, the vegetation is distributed from the sub -Antarctic islands to the South Pole itself.

As for Antarctica fauna speciessome like the weddell seal or the emperor penguin, are unique. However, most are migratory, reproduce and feed their young during the summer in Antarctica and once the station ends the continent. Others, for example, such as orcs, whales or leopard seal, reproduce in more temperate waters, but feed in Antarctic waters. In addition, some species such as petreles, cormorants and seagulls, among others, live in colonies in coastal areas. There are also those, such as Petreles Dameros or Antarctic Doves, which nest in more isolated areas.

Antarctica flora

Next, some of the plant species that make up the Antarctica floraincluding two floors with flower:

Antarctic Pasto (Antarctica Deschampsia)

This plant presents flowers and is a self -political species that grows in the summer months the effects of climate change such as temperature increase, is making the population of this species increase.

Antarctic carnation (colobanthus quitensis)

It is the other plant that presents flowers, although its yellow flowers have rather appearance of moss. This plant normally grows in areas where rainfall is adequate and the weather is tempered, these conditions usually occur in the west and north of the continent.

Kerguelen cabbage (pringlea antiscorbute)

Native Antarctica plant with a certain resemblance to the common cabbage plant, discovered on the island of Kerguelen. It is self -political, so its location in the wind islands contain is ideal.

Lyallia cushion (Lyallia kerguelensis)

Endรฉmida of the Kerguelen Islands, reproduce in small populations in the alpine and moraidos moors. They can live up to about 16 years.

Other species of Flora of Antarctica

  • Lichens (Usnea sp)
  • Ross island moss (Sarconeurum glacial)
  • Hair moss (Polytrichum sp)
  • Signy Island Moss (Schistidium antarctici)
  • Windmill Grimmia Islands (Grimmia Antarctici)

Below you can see four photos of the Antarctic plants that have been described before, in the same order.

Flora and Fauna of Antarctica - Flora of Antarctica

Antarctica fauna

Next, some of the animal species that make up the Antarctica fauna:

Emperor penguin (Aptenodytes Forsteri)

This kind of penguin can weigh up to 45 kg and measure 120 cm. They cannot fly, although their body is adapted for marine life, being able to immerse themselves to hunt for an average time of 18 minutes and more than 15 m deep.

MINKE BALLENA (Balanoptera bonaerensis)

The Southern Rorcual is one of the smallest species within the Rorcuales whales. This kind of whale is inhabiting the oceans of the south of the planet.

Weddell seal (Leptonychotes Weddellii)

This mammal is normally located in without ice areas of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is not migratory and are very well adapted to the cold thanks to the large layers of fats that cover their organs.

Petrel Gigante del Sur (macronectes giganteus)

The South Giant Petrel as the name implies is the largest of the Petreles species and are characterized by their type of flush flight.

Other species of Antarctica Fauna

  • Barbjo penguin (Antarctica pygoscelis)
  • Antarctic seagull (Stern Vittata)
  • Adelia penguin (Pygoscelis Adeliae)
  • Wandering albatros (DiaMedea Exulans)
  • Black eyebrow albatros (Thalassarche Melanophris)
  • Petrel Damero (Dating capensis)
  • Humpback whale or retarte (MEGAPTERA NOVAEANGLIAE)
  • Leopardo seal (Hydrurga Leptonyx)
  • Dos Pelos Antarctic Marine Wolf O Fine Antarctic Wolf (Arcecephalus Gazella)
  • Blue eyes )
  • Arctic seagull (Sterna Paradisaea)
  • Antarctic Paloma (Chionis Alba)
  • SIKUA POLAR POLAR (MacCormicki catharacta)
  • Petrel Antarctic (Thalassoica Antarctica)
  • Petrel Nival or Snow (Pagodroma Nivea)
  • Krill (Euphausia Superba)
  • Medusa comb (Filo Ctenophora)
  • Fulmar southern (Fulmarus glacialoides)
  • Antarctic lapa (NACELLA CONCINNA)

Below you can see four photos of the Antarctica animals that have been described before, in the same order.

Flora and Fauna of Antarctica - Antarctica Fauna

Flora and Fauna species of Antarctica in danger of extinction

The in danger of Antarctica extinction are:

Antarctica plants in danger of extinction

Antarctic plant species are being threatened by climate change. However, there is currently no evidence that there are species of plants in danger of extinction.

Antarctica animals in danger of extinction

  • Kril Antarctic (Euphausia Superba).
  • Emperor penguin (Aptenodytes Forsteri).
  • Crab seal (Lobodon Carcinophagus).
  • Adelia penguin (Pygoscelis Adeliae).
  • Nottenoid fish or fish of Antarctica.

If you want to read more articles similar to Flora and Fauna of Antarcticawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.

Literature
  • In danger of extinction. In danger of extinction in Antarctica. Retrieved from: https://enpeligrodeextincion.org/animales-en-pelligro-de-extinction-de-la-artartida/
  • Barton, G. (January 2021). Ripley Believes. Native Antarctic Plants. Retrieved from: https://es.rulaybelieves.com/native-plants-of-antctica-3554
Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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