Life in the Freezer
The Ice Retreats
As Antarctica enters its spring season, the thick layer of sea ice that completely encircles the continent gradually begins to melt and retreat. This affords an opportunity for the animals to find bare land upon which to mate and breed. This episode examines multiple examples of breeding and migratory strategies based completely on this need for bare land.
Key Concepts: Antarctic tundra, seasonal changes, Intraspecific competition, mating rituals, limiting factor, geographic isolation, adaptations.
