A Brief Abstract:
The aim is to explore the distribution and
abundance of microfauna able to survive in the harsh
environments of the Ellsworth mountains. Recent studies
have shown that the number of organisms capable of this are
few and that several are unique to the Ellsworth region.
One of the most striking are the tardigrada, which are able
to enter a state of suspended metabolism called
cryptobiosis. Their durability in this condition is
astonishing. As well as the amazing tardigrada (including
at least one species unique to Antarctica) there are
rotifers and flagellates. There is the (slight?)
possibility that other invertebrates such as the
microscopic mites, nematodes and springtails found
elsewhere on the Continent may be encountered. Since so
little research of this kind seems to have been conducted
in this particular region, there is the real hope that new
and valuable knowledge can be uncovered by any
well-prepared study.
It is hoped that some microscopical investigation can be
carried out in the field but for full characterisation and
identification it will be necessary to bring back samples.
Much help and advice has been offered by Sandra McInnes and
Peter Convey of the British Antarctic Survey
A more detailed outline:
There’s No Way to Degrade a Tardigrade
(An Investigation of the Microfauna of
the Ellsworth Mountain Region)
What creature can survive being heated to 151 oC for several minutes or chilled
close to absolute zero (-272.8 oC) for several days? Could this
be the same creature that can lose 99% of its normal
moisture and then be revived to health and vigour again
with a drop of water? Indeed, the same creature that can
survive pressures many times above normal atmospheric
pressure or the vacuum of outer space? Perhaps this is the
same beastie able to endure 570,000 Rads of X-radiation;
when 500 Rads would be fatal to a Human? You have to be
tough to survive in the harshest environment on the Planet
and nothing seems tougher than the cuddly Tardigrade or
“Water Bear”.
The aim of the project is to explore the distribution and
abundance of microfauna able to survive in the harsh
environments of the Ellsworth mountains. Recent studies
have shown that the number of organisms capable of this are
few and that several are unique to the Ellsworth region. As
well as the amazing tardigrada (including at least one
species that appears to be unique to Antarctica) there are
rotifers and flagellates. There may also be other
invertebrates yet to be found such as the microscopic
mites, nematodes and springtails found elsewhere on the
Continent. Since so little research of this kind seems to
have been conducted in this particular region, there is the
real hope that new and valuable knowledge can be uncovered
by any well-prepared study.
Each creature that survives here must find the answer to
the most shocking environmental insults to survival. Such
survivors also represent only the top layer of an ecosystem
that must include lichens, algae and bacteria. While the
large animals and birds of the edges of the Continent are
primarily marine dependent and fairly well studied, this
unique and extraordinary micro-ecosystem is waiting to be
explored. Just as exploration of the black smokers of the
deep oceans has revealed a totally unexpected ecosystem, so
the unique variety of creatures that can survive in this
inhospitable place should give us a better understanding of
life on Planet Earth.
The small scale of the creatures means that using simple
collection and microscopic techniques it should be possible
to build up a better picture of the microfauna of the
Ellsworth range. The microscopic nature of the organisms
means that samples can easily be returned to the UK for
expert evaluation and identification. Another appealing
aspect to the project is the fact that the techniques used
can be readily linked with studies of a similar kind that
can be carried out by students in the school laboratory.
Microscopic protists (single-celled animals and plants) and
other small organisms can be studied using the classic
methods of hay infusion and pond water collection. An
appreciation of the similarities and differences between
these and the Antarctic microfauna can be explored from
material and data collected by the Fuchs Foundation
expedition.
The links to Amy Rogers’ study of the Lichens of the
Ellsworth will add another layer to our understanding of
how this unique ecosystem functions, since the sites of
both studies can be mapped together.