Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
[9] [10] [11] Antarctic animals have adapted to reduce heat loss, with mammals developing warm windproof coats and layers of blubber. [12] Antarctica's cold deserts have some of the least diverse fauna in the world. Terrestrial vertebrates are limited to subantarctic islands, and even then they are limited in number. [13]
The few animals that live on the mainland are birds such as Antarctic terns, grey-headed albatross, imperial shag, snowy sheathbill and the most well known inhabitant of Antarctica, penguins. The inhospitable environment helps to deter predators ; the few predators that hunt on the mainland, including the south polar skua and the southern giant ...
The continent of Antarctica itself has been too cold and dry to support any other vascular plants for millions of years. The scanty vegetation of Antarctica is a result of the chilling temperature, lack of sunlight, little rainfall, relatively poor soil quality , and a lack of moisture due to the inability of the plants to absorb water in the ...
Winter in the South can be hard on plants. Fluctuating temperatures, sporadic freezes, and winter winds all take their toll on the garden. Some plants need a little extra protection to make it ...
In this cold climate plant life is mainly limited to grasses, mosses and lichens, although the islands are also known for the indigenous edible Kerguelen cabbage. The islands are at the Antarctic Convergence , where cold water moving up from the Antarctic mixes with the warmer water of the Indian Ocean.
The West Antarctica plateau reaches snow levels of around 30 cm (12 in). This area is also warmer but it receives the heaviest snow and receives more wind. Because of the cold desert-like conditions on the plateaus, there are very little plants and animals. Some species of birds though have been seen.
Cold weather makes it harder for perennials and bulbs to acclimate after planting and it also increases the likelihood that plants will be damaged by cold and rough handling.
Ryan McEnaney, garden designer and author of Field Guide to Outside Style: Design and Plant Your Perfect Outdoor Space. Related: 14 Winter-Blooming Houseplants That Will Brighten the Season's ...