Animals Fill The Waters Surrounding Antarctica
The pink mite, which is the most southern-living creature yet found, is only about 1/100th of an inch long. This little critter that looks a lot like a spider likes to eat algae and fungi. A scientist from Hawaii just found the pink mite very close to the South Pole. It was only 309 miles away. There were lichens within 266 miles of the Pole, which is closer than any living organism has been found.
The only animals that can withstand the yearly weather of Antarctica are insects and insect-like, according to a popular magazine article. Though over 56 species of arthropod have been recorded on Antarctica, you’ll not be able to see them with just your eyes. The biggest measures about the same as a horsefly, and is a wingless fly. The animals reanimate when the air reaches temperatures above thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. They are asleep during Antarctica’s long, hard winter. You will find info on Antarctic cruises by visiting that site.
The great blue whale and many diverse creatures make the waters around Antarctica their home. This is the opposite of life on land. Marine life was observed by scientists recently using a small steel capsule designed for observation and recording data.Using one of the six windows to peer out, scientist took turns viewing the sea. They could even hear the life beneath the waters because they installed a hydrophone.
A giant jelly fish passed by, with 30 foot tentacles. Not many other fish were seen. Curious seals approached the chamber, and often inspected it as they passed by to go to an air-hole. The hydrophones provided their sounds: chirps, beeps, buzzes and whistles. This underwater racket hadn’t been heard previously, according to one investigator.
These noises help the Weddell seals to navigate and communicate. The navigation theory could help scientists understand how the seals can find holes to surface for air and food in the dark, cold Antarctic waters. Scientists are analyzing recordings of the seal sounds. Human ears can’t even hear all the sounds the seals make due to their rapid beat and high frequency. If you are in search of info don’t forget to view this resource Antarctic cruise ship.
Science has yet to figure out how the Weddell seals make these sounds. Both their nostrils and mouths are tightly closed when in the water. The deepest a mammal has ever been recorded to dive is nearly 1500 feet; this was a Weddell seal. Their lung capacity is also great, one seal waiting a half hour before needing to emerge from the water.With a lot of time and care, it was possible for a zoologist to earn the trust of a mother seal and get a sample of the milk that the mother excretes.Seal pups add weight faster than any other known mammal; this could be due to the fact that seal milk has much more fat in it than human milk does. It only takes newborn seals six weeks to increase its weight by five times.
With special diving suits, the seas around Antarctica have been investigated by scientists. They found red seaweed, as well as other seaweed, growing on the bottom. Other species included five foot words, four foot sponges, and starfish that had both red and white coloration on it, making Antarctica the most interesting place to find new life.
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