Explain what biome comprises most of Antarctica, and why the continent is described as being part of this biome
The biome that comprises most of Antarctica is the polar desert biome. Antarctica is described as being part of this biome because it shares many characteristics and ecological features with other polar desert areas around the world.
The polar desert biome is a cold and barren landscape with extremely low precipitation, mostly in the form of snowfall. It is characterized by frozen ground, ice-covered water bodies, and a lack of significant vegetation. The climate in this biome is extremely harsh, with freezing temperatures and strong winds that limit biological activity.
Antarctica is considered a polar desert because it meets all the criteria for this biome. It has a very low average annual precipitation, with its interior receiving less than 10 cm (4 inches) of snowfall per year. This makes it one of the driest places on Earth, even though it contains about 90% of the world's ice and 70% of its fresh water.
The continent's temperatures are also a defining characteristic of the polar desert biome. Antarctica experiences extremely cold temperatures, with the average annual temperature ranging from -10°C (14°F) along its coastal regions to -60°C (-76°F) in its interior. These frigid temperatures prevent the growth of most plant life, and the region is mostly devoid of vegetation.
Furthermore, the strong winds in Antarctica contribute to the desert-like conditions. The continent is swept by powerful katabatic winds that can reach speeds of over 300 km/h (190 mph). These winds blow away any snow or ice that might accumulate, keeping the surface exposed and devoid of vegetation.
In summary, Antarctica is described as being part of the polar desert biome because it exhibits the characteristics of a cold, arid landscape with low precipitation, freezing temperatures, and high winds. These factors make the continent inhospitable for most forms of life, and it shares these features with other polar desert areas around the globe.