We think of Antarctica as a barren place devoid of plant life due to all the snow and ice, but the continent is actually home to several species of plants: algae, mosses, lichens, and even grass. Sure, only one percent of Antarctica is warm enough for plants to grow, but it’s a big continent. Scientists are turning their attention to algae that grows on snow. It seems weird, but it works.
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Algae communities tend to be relatively abundant along the coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula during the austral summer months of December through February, when the average temperature is just above freezing. The green algae included in the study favor wet, slushy snow, because the microorganisms need liquid water to reproduce, says Davey. They also thrive near penguin colonies, bird nesting sites, and seal hangouts, as animal poop offers nourishing nitrogen and phosphate for the blooms.
You know what they say, “Watch out where the penguins go; don’t you eat that green snow.” Or something like that. Anyway, Antarctica also has pink, orange, and red algae that grow on snow. Read about that algae and how it fits into the delicate ecosystem in Antarctica at Atlas Obscura.
(Image credit: Matt Davey)
Source: neatorama