Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 12/02/2013 - 18:16
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Soil Ecology in Antarctic Dry Valleys

What types of microorganisms survive in the extreme cold? Have you found any yet Caden austin

Wed, 12/04/2013 - 13:30

Justin Kendhammer

Hi Caden,Good question.So, many of the organisms that are here are very similar or the same as what you will find in other parts of the world. The differences are that they are less abundant and not as diverse within the following categories: archaea, nematodes, protozoa, viruses, and bacteria. Of course we are missing some of the larger organisms like plants and animals.  There are parts of our planet that are as cold and support more life but along with the isolation of the continent and longer winters it has been a very difficult place for life to take hold. Is it possible that this may change in the future? Thanks for the question.JK