Explain what biome compromise is most of Antarctica, and why the continent is described as being part of this biome

Answer 1

Most of Antarctica is covered by the polar ice caps, which makes it part of the polar biome. The polar biome is characterized by extremely cold temperatures, low precipitation, and a lack of plant life. It is the coldest and driest biome on Earth.

Antarctica is described as being part of the polar biome due to its harsh and extreme environmental conditions. The average temperature in Antarctica ranges from -40°C to -70°C (-40°F to -94°F), making it inhospitable for most forms of life. The continent receives very little precipitation, with an annual average of only about 166 mm (6.5 inches) of snowfall along the coast. The interior of Antarctica is even drier, with limited snow accumulation and no rainfall.

The lack of liquid water and constant freezing temperatures prevent the growth of plants, making Antarctica a barren landscape. However, despite the extreme conditions, there are some organisms that have adapted to survive in this harsh environment. These include lichens, mosses, algae, and small invertebrates like mites and springtails.

Furthermore, the marine areas surrounding Antarctica are rich in nutrients, supporting a diverse array of marine life such as krill, penguins, seals, and whales. These species have adapted to survive in the cold waters and depend on the abundant supply of food found in the Southern Ocean.

In summary, Antarctica is described as part of the polar biome due to its extremely cold temperatures, low precipitation, absence of plant life, and the presence of specialized organisms that have adapted to survive in this challenging environm