Robert Romano

11/7/16

Intd: Science Writing

Dr. Jessica Fenn

Life on Antarctica

Appendix I in The Heart of Antarctica starts out with the image that no life is present in the researcher’s surroundings on Antarctica. Finally, many different variations of algae are found and a very interesting organism called the Rotifer is found in a frozen lake. The Rotifer is a microscopic, worm-like creature and is fascinating because it is unique in its temperature adaptation. The Rotifer can survive in extremely cold temperatures and then it can immediately be placed into a boiling environment and still function properly. Many organisms can withstand harsh temperatures, but the Rotifer is different from other organisms because its body temperature will adapt to the temperature of the environment.

This piece does a great job showing the relationship between the arts and sciences because the magnificent pictures taken of the wildlife in the Antarctic show the beauty of the natural world. A question that I had when reading this piece would be what is the researchers primary focus when studying the Rotifers and what they plan to do with the findings that they have recorded on the Rotifers.