Microalgal flora of the Antarctica

Abstract

The harsh climatic conditions of Antarctica represent an obstacle for the development of animal and vegetable life. On the continent and in the sea, however, there are living organisms of which the microalgae are the most important vital component. These colonize the sea and the lakes. There are also microalgae which live in small rocky channels, in the soil, in the snow and in the glaciers. Others are found above mosses. Cyanobacteria and Green Algae are more abundant in the continent (including the lakes), while Diatoms are the main entities in the sea. Their life-cycle seems to be more influenced by low light intensity rather than temperature.