Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 12/02/2013 - 07:29
Forums
Soil Ecology in Antarctic Dry Valleys
 Hey Mr. Kendhammer!

It's Arianna Morris! I was wondering if you have found any life in the soil samples you have collected? If you have to analyze the soil to know then have you seen any obvious signs of life in the soil such as worms or small bugs or parasites? I hope to here from you soon, see you Dec. 17 in class! Sincerely, Arianna Morris

Mon, 12/02/2013 - 11:01

Justin Kendhammer

Hi Arianna,After looking at soil from 10 different sites around the Dry Valleys we have found bacteria in all of them. It's not as abundant as you might find in our garden at MEMS, but things are living in there. We have even found life in very high salinity soil that looks like baby powder. The only insect that I know of that lives on the continent is the Spring Tailed Mite. It is not believed to be native to Antarctica and has over time lost it's spring tail due to the lack of predation. They live under rocks and might just be the toughest mites on the planet.Thanks for taking the time to write.I look forward to seeing you.Justin Kendhammer