Life in the Freezer
The Race to Breed
The spring and summer seasons of Antarctica are very short, running from October through February. This leaves only a few short months of exposed rock, fresh water from melting ice, and relatively calm weather. Each of the organisms that occupy Antarctica, including animals, plants, and protozoa, must complete their breeding cycle during this season to have any chance of passing their traits onto the next generation.
Key Concepts: Antarctic tundra, territoriality, abiotic factors, critical factor, seasonal changes, substrate, niche, opportunists, scavengers.
