Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 11/25/2013 - 09:45
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Soil Ecology in Antarctic Dry Valleys

Hi my name is Graham. I am from Pope John Paul in Boca Raton, Florida and I was wondering if the soil in the Antarctic Dry Valleys determines the certain growth for a plant that grows over it?

Mon, 11/25/2013 - 23:29

Justin Kendhammer

Hi Graham,So while it is true that bacteria and plants have a symbiotic relationship. There really are no plants in Antarctica. There are algae mats that grow in certain areas but no plant growth on the continent. The soils have a very low concentration of life but it is in there.This place is pretty wild. Almost no insect life (only a mite that I know of), no animal life aside from seals and penguins on land, and Skua are the only bird I am aware of. This place is almost completely silent. I cannot get used to not seeing or hearing birds, insects, and other animal life.Thanks for the question.Justin