470 



ZOOLOGY 



Resem- 

 blances 

 between the 

 arctic and 

 antarctic 

 biota 



Former 

 warm 

 climates in 

 the polar 

 regions 



zero, and secured the specimens necessary for the 

 study of the early stages. This was particularly im- 

 portant, since 'the Emperor Penguin is perhaps the 

 most primitive of all living birds. That any species 

 of bird should reproduce in the middle of the long 

 winter night, with the temperature far below zero, 

 would seem incredible were it not proved by the most 

 reliable testimony. The species of penguins occupy 

 the shores of far southern lands, and find their food in 

 the sea. 



7. Arctic and antarctic life differ very conspic- 

 uously, especially as regards the larger animals. When 

 we come to the smaller forms, and especially those 

 found in the sea, there are many resemblances which 

 have caused surprise. Separated by a broad tropical 

 zone, it would not seem likely that any species could 

 pass from one polar region to the other. Hence it 

 has been suggested that perhaps the similarity might 

 be due merely to the likeness of the environment, 

 causing similar forms to develop independently. It has 

 been remarked, however, that even under the equator 

 the depths of the sea are cold, and currents flowing 

 along the ocean floor might carry cold-water organisms 

 right across the tropical belt. 



8. At one time, or indeed at more than one time, 

 in the past, the arctic and antarctic regions were rela- 

 tively warm and supported luxuriant vegetation. This 

 is shown by the numerous fossil plants found in Green- 

 land and Spitzbergen, and by the remains more recently 

 collected in Antarctica. On the return from the south 

 pole, Dr. Edward A. Wilson found fossil plants far 

 in the interior, and the party, with the greatest pluck, 

 dragged the specimens, under almost incredible diffi- 

 culties, to the camp where they finally perished. The 



