QUESTION:
Why are there no land animals in Antarctica?
        
         Ms Schlachter's class
         Newington Forest ES

ANSWER from Steve Downey, Antarctic Expert
            Fri, 7 Feb 1997 09:07:55 -0500

While there are no purely land animals today in Antarctica, fossils are
being found that prove they were there millions of years ago.  As
Antarctica broke away from the other continents and slowly moved southward
to its current location, the temperatures grew colder and the amount of
light hitting the land decreased.  As a result, the plants died followed
by the animals which feed on them.  Eventually, all animals which didn't
rely on the sea for food died.  That's why the only animals you see today
are penguins and seals.  (Not counting the few rodents which scavenge for
food around research bases).

Thanks for your question!
Steve