TED-Ed: Surviving the coldest place on Earth | Nadia Frontier

Antarctica's icy surface conceals a vibrant marine ecosystem with over 8,000 species. These species have adapted to survive in frigid waters by conserving energy. During summer, sunlight fuels phytoplankton blooms, providing food for marine life. As seasons change, species like sea spiders and isopods adjust their behaviors to cope with colder temperatures. In winter, many species enter dormancy, awaiting the return of spring and sunlight to revive the ecosystem.

What is the primary survival strategy for marine species in the frigid waters of Antarctica?

• Migration to warmer waters

• Rapid energy consumption

• Hibernation on land

• Slow and steady energy conservation

During the Antarctic summer, what natural phenomenon provides an abundance of food for marine life?

• Melting ice

• Volcanic activity

• Increased fish migration

• Phytoplankton blooms

How do giant Antarctic isopods manage to survive long periods without food?

• By storing food in their shells

• By slowing their metabolism

• By migrating to food-rich areas

• By eating only during the night

What adaptation helps giant sea spiders absorb oxygen in the freezing waters?

• Oxygen-absorbing skin

• Specialized lungs

• Tiny holes on their legs

• Gills on their abdomen

What happens to many Antarctic marine species as winter sets in?

• They enter dormancy

• They increase their feeding rate

• They migrate north

• They reproduce rapidly