Antarctica, as we have seen, is a cold place indeed. But this has not always been the case. Expedition scientists have discovered that Antarctica has not always been a frozen continent. At one time the weather in Antarctica may have much like our own.
Explorers have discovered coal in Antarctica. This leads them to believe that Antarctica at one time was a land of swamps and forests. Heat and moisture must have kept the trees in the forests alive.
EXERCISE:
1) The lowest temperature that man has ever known was recorded in Antarctica.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Not mentioned
2) Winter temperatures average 85 degrees below zero in Antarctica.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Not mentioned
3) The Arctic and Antarctica are no man’s lands because of their notorious coldness.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Not mentioned
4) Polar explorers can stay alive without heaters and windproof shelters.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Not mentioned
5) Despite the hostile environment, both animals and plants can be found in the oceans and on land in polar areas.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Not mentioned
6) As discovered by expedition scientists, Antarctica has not always been so cold as it is today, so has the Arctic.