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Antarctica Braces for Influx of Invasive Species
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean may seem very far away from civilization, but they are at great risk of losing their unique qualities due to human activities. Warmer temperatures and human visitation are increasing the likelihood that invasive species can take up residence in the Antarctic, and potentially cause major changes.
Cold water has kept out most crustaceans like crabs and lobsters which cannot survive at temperatures less than 34o, so the discovery of a species of king crab in shallow areas close to the Antarctic Peninsula was unwelcome news. On land, a small insect called the midge could very well become disruptive to terrestrial species. There are few terrestrial species in the region making them quite vulnerable to disturbances in the ecosystem such as the introduction of midge and other invasive species.
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