Things in the Polar Zone
Polar zones are located at the North and South Poles and are characterized by frigid temperatures and ice-covered landscapes. Antarctica is the polar region to the south and the Arctic is the polar region of the north. Despite the barren looking terrain, both areas support and sustain animal and plant life.
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Antarctica Wildlife
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Emperor penguins have black and white bodies that look like they are wearing tuxedos. Several types of penguins are found in Antarctica. The Emperor penguins, the largest of the species, are named because of their upright postures. Their bodies are white with black on the sides. The Chinstrap penguin has a row of black feathers underneath the chin that make it look like they have a band securing their feathers on. Other animals are the Elephant seal that can weigh up to 4 tons and have a snout that the males puff in and out to intimate other males. The snow petrels look like doves with white bodies and small dark eyes. Because they feast on fish, they are primarily found on the continent's peninsula.
Antarctica Plant Life
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Moss covers the rocky slopes of the Antarctica peninsula. Despite the bone-chilling temperatures, some plants do thrive in Antarctica, mostly on the peninsula. Moss can be found on the rocky slopes. Some estimate that certain layers of moss are roughly 5,000 years old. Lichen, a plant that grows on low trees and rocks, is found in the same area. Antarctic pearlwort grass and Antarctic hair grass, both flowering plants, also grow throughout the peninsula.
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Arctic Wildlife
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Polar bears are arctic sea mammals. One animal found in the Arctic region is the caribou. Related to the deer, the caribou's fur coat is thick to withstand the temperatures as they migrate in herds across the land. Musk oxen are woolly beats with shaggy black coats and white patches. They have sharp horns that they use for defense against predators. Arctic sea mammals include the polar bear, whose blubber and fur coat protect them from the elements, as well as the walrus, which is known for its tusks and its noisy chatter.
Arctic Plant Life
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Arctic lupine grows along the tundras. After the snows melt, there is a short spell when plants germinate across the Arctic tundra, a treeless and flat area. Wildflowers are common as is the purple saxifrage that grows in tight clusters to fend off the cold winds. The violet-colored blossoms have petals shaped like stars. Another hardy flower is the Arctic poppy that can grow to be 10 inches high and is either yellow or white. Also found in Alaska, there is the Arctic lupine -- its lavender or blue flowers form a cone shape. Other flowers found in the region are wild crocuses and buttercups.
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References
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