In-quiz-a-tive about Antarctica?
What’s your Antarctica I.Q.?
Are you in-quiz-a-tive about Antarctica? Me too!
And you’ve come to the right place!
After doing research for my upcoming adventure, I ran across some interesting and fun facts about Antarctica. So, I thought I’d share a few with you. And, if you are up for a challenge, I’d like to find out how much YOU know about Antarctica. So, at the end of this journal, I invite you to take a quiz.
Here are a few of the interesting facts I’ve learned during my journeys:
Insects in Antarctica?
What do you think? Are there insects in Antarctica?
While there are no ants or beetles to be found, there is one true Antarctic insect. It’s the Antarctic midge or Belgica antarctica. This tiny creature, measuring only a few millimeters in length (2-6 mm), is also considered to be Antarctic’s ‘largest’ terrestrial (land) animal. Are you surprised by that? I was, especially since our team is studying a very large mammal. But the Antarctic midge gets the distinction of being the largest land animal in Antarctica because most other Antarctic animals (like the Weddell seal) make their home in both the ocean and on land. The Antarctic midge is the only animal that makes its habitat only on land.
Talk a closer look at the Antarctic midge larvae (left) and adult (right). Photo credit Denlinger Lab, Ohio State University
Plants in Antarctica?
What do you think? Are there plants in Antarctica?
There are, but only a few. They typically grow in the ice-free regions like the Antarctic Peninsula (about 2,358 miles from McMurdo). Now, we’re not talking trees and shrubs. It’s way too cold for large plants to grow. But we can find plants like mosses and lichens that grow in the shady cracks and crevices in sand, soil and rocks – and even on the bones of dead animals!
See the little patches of green? Those are special mosses found around Palmer Station on the Antarctic Peninsula. Credit: Peter Rejcek, NSF
Green in Antarctica?
Not likely! We frequently see the color green back in the U.S.; it’s in the grass, trees, and flowers. However, on the ice, we rarely see the color green – or any other vibrant color for that matter. So, when people visit the continent, some of them describe this lack of color as a ‘green out.’
But after the bright whiteness of Antarctica, a green tree or a colorful flower can be a refreshing sight.
Going from the white expanse of Antarctica to the lush greens of New Zealand can be a bit of a shock! Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
Fossils in Antarctica?
There sure are! We have fossils! What do they tell us? Fossils allow us to picture what Antarctica was like many millions of years ago. And it was a much different place back then. It was not the cold, desolate, ice-covered place it is today. Back then, it not only lacked ice, but it was actually covered in trees with lush green forests and animals, too.
Check out this picture! We can find evidence of these plants through fossils.
This leaf imprint is 50 million years old! Credit: Steve Roof, NSF
How much do you know about Antarctica?
Take this quiz and find out. Make sure to tell me your score in the comment section of ‘Ask the Team!’
Or you can copy and paste this link. https://www.qzzr.com/quizzes/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucXp6ci5jby9hcGkvaHlwZXIvcXVpenplcy84ODU1
