Final Answer:
The biomass in the Arctic tends to be more diverse and abundant, primarily consisting of smaller organisms like phytoplankton and zooplankton. In contrast, the Antarctic region's biomass is characterized by fewer species but larger populations of animals like seals, whales, and penguins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Arctic and Antarctic regions, despite both being cold and inhospitable, exhibit distinct differences in their biomass. In the Arctic, the primary contributors to the biomass are small organisms such as phytoplankton and zooplankton.
These minute organisms play a pivotal role in the food chain, supporting various larger species. Their abundance and diversity result in a rich, albeit fragmented, food web. This is due to the relatively shallow waters and the presence of nutrients from various sources, including river runoff and upwelling, fostering the growth of these microscopic life forms.
Conversely, the Antarctic region displays a distinct contrast in its biomass composition. Although the overall diversity might be lower compared to the Arctic, the Antarctic supports substantial populations of larger, charismatic species such as seals, whales, and penguins. The ecosystem here relies heavily on krill, small crustaceans that form a significant part of the food chain.
These creatures feed on phytoplankton and support the survival of the higher trophic levels, including the aforementioned larger animals. The presence of sea ice provides breeding and feeding grounds for these animals, contributing to their larger population sizes compared to the Arctic's more dispersed, diverse but smaller organisms.
In summary, the Arctic and Antarctic regions differ in their biomass composition due to varying ecological conditions, resulting in distinct food webs and species distributions. The Arctic's richness lies in its diverse array of smaller organisms, while the Antarctic showcases a remarkable concentration of larger, iconic species in its ecosystems.