What is the difference between arctic and antarctic

Polar bears are native to the Arctic region, where the cool temperatures and sea ice have adapted their appearance and hunting methods. With two layers of fur and a thick layer of fat, polar bears are able to withstand the fierce winters in the region.

When things get too cold, the bears can dig a cosy den in the snow and cover their nose to prevent heat loss. Their fur is also oily and water-repellent, which helps them keep warm and shake off any excess water or ice after swimming. Polar bear on thin pack ice at Svalbard by Andreas Jaschek.

King penguins by Michal Mrozek. The Arctic is absolutely teeming with wildlife. On land, you might spot reindeer, puffins or Arctic hares and foxes.

The tundra is also a breeding ground for various bird species, including the snow goose and peregrine falcon. The ocean is equally rich, with 17 types of whales inhabiting Arctic waters alone.

There are mountains reaching a maximum of just over 16, feet in height to be found there. Though it is home to dozens of scientific bases , Antarctica does not belong to any country. Numerous populations of native peoples live at the North Pole. Each in their own way, they manage to cope with the wild and extremely harsh natural environment.

Inaccessible prior to the modern era, the South Pole remained untouched by human presence until Today still, this southern continent does not have any permanent inhabitants, just scientific teams that rotate on a regular basis.

In Antarctica, the marine fauna boasts sea lions, whales, seals and elephant seals, amongst other creatures. In addition, there are also around forty species of birds that inhabit the southern polar region. However, primary level students might need to be provided a pre-printed assortment of words and pictures to sort into the graphic organizer two overlapping hula hoops are a fun and different way to create a quick venn diagram. Be sure to ask kids to share their finished products!

Animations from the International Polar Foundation. Educational Resources. Comparing the Arctic and Antarctic. Search this website:. The difference between the Arctic and the Antarctic is simply that in the Arctic, the North Pole is located in the middle of the ocean, whereas in the Antarctic, the South Pole is located on a continent completely covered by millions of cubic metres of ice.

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