Erik Buckingham
ekb7@geneseo.edu
INTD 105: Science Writing
approximately 150 words
Thoughts on “The Heart of the Antarctic Appendix I”
By: Erik Buckingham
In “The Heart of the Antarctic Appendix I” a research team travels to Antarctica and surprisingly finds single celled organisms among the snow and extremely cold temperatures of the continent. They are astonished to find that these organisms have found a niche in such a harsh and difficult climate to live in.
This article had me thinking about how many organisms have adapted so well to the cold that they are becoming extinct because of the destruction of Antarctica and Alaska via Global Warming. Polar bears are quickly becoming extinct and many polar bears seen in the north look skinny and malnourished. It is amazing how organisms have adapted to harsh climates like the single celled organisms in the Antarctic, but I am wondering if the population of these organisms is going to decrease in the next ten years as they are accustomed to the cold climates that are becoming increasingly warmer.
You did a great job summarizing the microscopic life section of appendix one. The question this reading brought up for you about the future vitality of these organism is an important one because in the book they do write that when left in tropical climates all of the organisms perished. Perhaps they would begin to adapt to gradually warming climates over time?