Antarctica
Environment

Antarctica is the frozen continent surrounding the Earth's South Pole.
The South Pole is the coldest, windiest, and driest place on Earth.

Climate

The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was at the South Pole; it went down to -128.6°F (-88.0°C)!
The Antarctic land does not support many life forms. Most of the land of Antarctica is a frozen desert, with less precipitation (rain) than the Sahara Desert (under 2 inches = 5 cm a year).
70% of the world's fresh water is frozen in the area of the South Pole.

Animals

Antarctica and the cold seas around it, are home to many animals.
All of the Antarctic animals have adapted to life in the cold .
Some, like the whales, seals, and birds, have layer of fat to protect them from the cold.
Others, like many fish and insects, have special chemicals in their blood that keep them from freezing.
Many animals (like penguins and seals) have a thick body and thick skin to help keep in body heat.
Birds also have waterproof feathers.
Some animals leave Antarctica during its coldest months, from June until August.
Animals like the Humpback whale move to warmer waters to reproduce after eating huge amounts of krill in Antarctic waters.
Many other animals (like the Emperor penguin) stay at the South Pole year-round.

Plants

Antarctica has very little land available for soil to grow plants.
Plants are limited to algae, lichens and mosses.
Some coastal seaweed survive in warmer northern waters.