Life in the Antarctic Ocean has evolved over many years to become one of the most unique and primeval communities in the world. The freezing cold waters of the Antarctic has forced many organisms to adapt by developing a form of anti-freeze in their bodies. These waters have long been off limits for crustaceans such as crabs due to their inability to cope with the cold temperatures. Bottom dwelling fish, sea spiders and marine pill bugs inhabit these harsh waters and have adapted to a unique way of life. The main predators in the Antarctic are sea stars and ribbon worms, with sharks and rays finding the area inhospitable. As global warming increases the water temperatures in the area, the habitat is experiencing a drastic change. Shell crushing crabs are moving closer and may invade the Antarctic waters and change the area forever.
Rising temperatures off of the Antarctic Peninsula are causing scientists concern for this unique environment. Surface temperatures have risen 1 C over the last fifty years which is slowly creating conditions to encourage the return of crabs to these waters. The arrival of crabs in Antarctic waters will greatly affect the biodiversity and will cause a sweeping loss in this rare marine world.
Tags: Antarctic, biodiversity, crabs, Environment, global warming, habitat, invasion, peninsula, scientist, temperatures
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