In this module, we think about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Antarctica, focusing on: (i) the influence of sea ice, and its seasonal expansion and retreat, on nutrient and space availability in the marine ecosystem; (ii) the Antarctic marine food chain, with particular emphasis on the crucial role of krill; (iii) how organisms have adapted to the extreme cold of the Southern Ocean, for example the production of natural antifreeze in the blood of some fish species; (iv) the strikingly small size of organisms within the Antarctic terrestrial ecosystem, and why this is the case; (v) how terrestrial species have adapted to the cold, dry environment of the continent; (vi) the impacts of human activity on the ecosystems of Antarctica, for example seal hunting and whaling in the Southern Ocean.

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This lecture is part of a larger course exploring the physical environments, ecosystems and governance of Antarctica: https://massolit.io/courses/the-geogr...

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MASSOLIT works with university academics to produce short video lectures in the arts, sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is available to schools and colleges on an institutional license as well as via private subscription: https://www.massolit.io/?source=yt