Final answer:
Benthos animals in the Arctic and Antarctic have distinct adaptations to their environments, with Arctic species being affected by diminishing sea ice and Antarctic species adapted to a colder, more stable environment. Adaptations include insulative blubber, fur, and unique reproductive behaviors. Environmental changes disrupt the delicate balance of these ecosystems, highlighting the stark differences between the two polar benthos communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences in characteristics of benthos animals between the Arctic and Antarctic regions are primarily driven by adaptations to their respective environmental conditions. In the Arctic, benthos species such as the polar bear have developed thick fur and a layer of blubber for insulation against the cold. They rely on sea ice for hunting and are thus deeply affected by its seasonal and long-term changes. As the ice diminishes, species like the Arctic cod and the black guillemot face challenges in feeding and nesting, illustrating the dependency on precise environmental conditions.
In contrast, benthos in the Antarctic, such as certain species of seals and penguins, are adapted to an environment that is somewhat colder but more stable year-round. They have evolved unique features to cope with life in and around the Antarctic ice, which affects their foraging, breeding, and overall survival. Unlike the rapidly changing Arctic, the Antarctic provides a more consistent habitat for its benthos, although it is not without its own challenges due to environmental changes.
On a broader scale, aquatic animals are deeply influenced by factors such as temperature, salinity, pressure, and availability of food. These factors dictate the distribution and diversity of marine organisms across different oceanic zones, contributing to the distinct benthos populations observed between the polar regions.