QUESTION:
Is the ozone hole affecting the plants and animals?  If so, how?
        
        Linda L., 6th Grade, Taylor Road Middle School
        Alpharetta, Georgia

ANSWER from Tad Day, Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Date: Sun, 9 Feb 1997 00:30:57 -0500

Dear Linda,

High levels of UV-B associated with the ozone hole can reduce the
ability of phytoplankton (tiny marine "plants" that live in drift
in the ocean) to grow. It is estimated that these high levels of
UV-B reduce the productivity of krill be about 10%. 
As far as plants that grow on land go, we are starting to see
indications that high levels of UV-B also slightly reduces their
growth (by about 5% of normal growth rates). 
To my knowledge, nobody has studied how high UV-B levels might
affect the animals here. I would guess that since most animals
have feathers or darkly pigmented skin (seals), their skin is
protected from UV damage. However, their eyes may be susceptible
to UV damage. In humans, high UV levels have been found to 
cause cataracts. It may do the same to birds and seals down here
but nobody knows.

Thanks for your question!
Tad