Antarctic kingdom
Quick Summary
Antarctica's plant life is sparse due to its cold desert climate, which limits growth to short summer bursts. Photosynthesis is impossible during long, dark winters. Moisture is crucial, supplied by snowmelt and atmospheric vapor. Despite harsh conditions, about 800 species, including 350 lichens, survive. Mosses and liverworts are found in maritime regions, while molds, yeasts, fungi, algae, and bacteria are widespread. Ancient Antarctica had richer flora before glaciation forced vascular plants northward. Today, the Antarctic realm, encompassing the continent and subantarctic islands, has limited terrestrial life, with most floral development occurring on the Antarctic Peninsula. In contrast, subantarctic islands north of the Antarctic Convergence boast more abundant vascular plants.123
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floristic region…America), South African, Australian, and Antarctic.
Read More…America), South African, Australian, and Antarctic.
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biogeographic regionAntarctic kingdomThis kingdom includes the southern tip of South America, extending some distance north along the Chilean coast; New Zealand; and the Antarctic and subantarctic islands (Figure 1). Antarctic and Paleotropical flora occur in an interesting and interdigitating pattern in South Island of New…
Read MoreThis kingdom includes the southern tip of South America, extending some distance north along the Chilean coast; New Zealand; and the Antarctic and subantarctic islands (Figure 1). Antarctic and Paleotropical flora occur in an interesting and interdigitating pattern in South Island of New…
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polar ecosystemThe Antarctic region…flora and fauna in the Antarctic. Other significant factors that have hampered terrestrial biotic evolution are the harsh climate, the ice cover that completely engulfed the continent during the Pleistocene glaciations, and the present limited number of ice-free land areas, which are restricted primarily to the coastal fringes and nunataks…
Read More…flora and fauna in the Antarctic. Other significant factors that have hampered terrestrial biotic evolution are the harsh climate, the ice cover that completely engulfed the continent during the Pleistocene glaciations, and the present limited number of ice-free land areas, which are restricted primarily to the coastal fringes and nunataks…
Read More- polar ecosystemBiota of Antarctica
The flora of Antarctica consists mainly of soil and freshwater algae, lichens, mosses, fungi, and only two native species of vascular plants. The terrestrial fauna consists of a few invertebrate species of protozoans, rotifers, nematodes, tardigrades, collembola (primitive wingless insects), and a species of mite. These…
Read MoreThe flora of Antarctica consists mainly of soil and freshwater algae, lichens, mosses, fungi, and only two native species of vascular plants. The terrestrial fauna consists of a few invertebrate species of protozoans, rotifers, nematodes, tardigrades, collembola (primitive wingless insects), and a species of mite. These…
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