Antarctica is home to microbes found nowhere else on Earth
Scientists have often wondered about species that are unique to Antarctica. But the focus has mainly been on animals, like feathery penguins. CIRES researchers wanted to dig deeper—into the soils—believing tiny organisms could be unique to the continent, too.
Scientists have discovered that Antarctica is home to unique microbes found nowhere else on Earth, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder focused on soil samples from Antarctica and compared them with samples from other cold, dry environments around the world.
They found that over 90% of the Arthrobacter strains in Antarctic soils were unique, with no similar strains found in other locations. This suggests that these microbes have a distinct biological history tied to the Antarctic environment, which is characterized by extreme cold and dryness. The researchers believe that this finding highlights the importance of protecting Antarctica's microbial life, which contributes to the overall biodiversity of the continent.
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