QUESTION:
How do the animals decompose?


        Marci S., Mrs. Garvin's Fifth Grade Science Class
        Mauldin Elementary in Mauldin, SC



ANSWER from Steve Emslie, Researcher 
            Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Fri, 21 Mar 1997 15:17:29 -0500


Hello Marci,
 
Although Antarctica is a cold and harsh environment, bacteria do live 
here.  In fact, bacteria can be found just about anywhere on the planet, 
from hot springs to barren deserts and polar regions.  During the summer 
months in Antarctica, the warmer temperatures enhance the ability of bacteria 
to decompose tissue.  However, the decomposition rate is much slower here
so that it might take many years for a carcass to turn to just bones. 

In the Antarctic peninsula, where temperatures are somewhat milder
than the continent, decomposition occurs most quickly (though it 
still takes many years, depending on the size of the carcass).  Only in the
coldest regions of the polar ice cap would you find very little
decomposition--frozen bird carcasses have been found in the snow that
are hundreds of years old, but still appear fresh.

Steve Emslie