Final answer:
The Arctic and Antarctic differ in terms of location, climate, and terrestrial life. The Arctic is characterized by cold temperatures, ice-covered waters, and tundra vegetation, while Antarctica is a barren continent covered by a thick ice sheet. The Arctic experiences longer periods of sunlight, which leads to melting sea ice, while Antarctica is colder and experiences long periods of darkness. The Arctic supports a wider variety of plant and animal species compared to Antarctica.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical differences between the Arctic and Antarctic can be summarized as follows:
- The Arctic region is located at the North Pole and consists of the Arctic Ocean surrounded by land masses like Russia, Canada, and Greenland. It is characterized by cold temperatures, ice covered waters, and land areas covered with tundra vegetation. In contrast, Antarctica is located at the South Pole and is a continent surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It is covered by a thick ice sheet and is mostly barren with little vegetation.
- The climate in the Arctic is relatively warmer compared to Antarctica. The Arctic experiences longer periods of sunlight during the summer months, resulting in melting sea ice. In contrast, Antarctica is colder and experiences long periods of darkness during its winter months, leading to the formation of a thick ice sheet.
- Another significant difference is the presence of terrestrial life. The Arctic supports a variety of plant and animal species like polar bears, reindeer, and arctic foxes, while Antarctica is almost devoid of terrestrial life, with only a few cold-adapted plants and invertebrates surviving.