Protecting "The Ice What is "The Ice"?
1 Antarctica -the coldest and windiest continent on Earth-has a nickname. It is called "The Ice. This is
because the world's largest and thickest single sheet of ice covers almost all the land. Antarctica is
uninhabited except for people who live on research stations, or bases. Many different animals call this
land home, though. In fact, fifteen species of whales and dolphins and seven different types of penguins
can be found here
Protecting the Land's Resources
2 Many nations have studied Antarctica. It was not until 1991 that groups from around the world began
looking at ways to protect the waters, plants, and animals that live here. Overfishing in the waters around
Antarctica has begun to threaten several species of fish, some of which are endangered. It has also
affected the other animals that live in the Antarctic ecosystem
Keeping Track of kn
3 One of the biggest areas of concern is the krill population. These tiny animals are found in all the
oceans of the world. The largest numbers are found in Antarctica About 500 million tons of krill live
there. These animals can live up to ten years, which is a long time considering how many animals make
kill a part of their diets. These shrimp-like creatures are food not only for other fish, but also for penguins
whales, and seals. But the krill population is decreasing, in part because some whale populations have
been increasing Fewer krill would affect the entire ecosystem of the region
Protecting the World's Natural Laboratory
4 Conservation groups and scientists from all over the world have been hard at work. For example, some
groups are trying to create protected areas. Fishing ships are not allowed in these areas. Stricter laws to
protect the kill, whales, and seabirds are also underway. All of these efforts will help protect Antarctica
a land
that many believe is one the world's greatest natural wonders
1 point
11 What evidence from the selection shows that a decreasing krill
nondation is a nroblem?