The climate of the Antarctic is so harsh that it is not suitable for dense vegetation. Plants found in this region are non-woody and simple like algae, mosses, liverworts, lichens and microscopic fungi. There are a few types of insects such as mites and spring tails that feed on the Antarctic plants. The animals have specific physical features to fight the chill and reduce the loss of body heat for survival:
♦ Thick, windproof or waterproof coats
♦ Thick fat (or blubber) layers beneath the skin
♦ Small extremities to conserve heat loss
