Jellyfish Replace Penguins in the Antarctica
The rising temperature in the Antarctica region coupled with tons of melting snow has made living conditions precarious for the penguin, but ideal for the jellyfish.
In one of the largest marine survey conducted recently, there is conclusive proof that the population of krill is reducing dramatically in the region. The krill is a six inch long invertebrate which forms an integral part of the diets of penguins, whales, seals and other predators. But, as their numbers are dwindling, the predators are also slowly losing their numbers due to lack of proper food conditions.
On the other hand, krills are being replaced by copepods. Copepods are also invertebrates, but are only half a millimeter long. They are too tiny to be consumed by penguins, whales or other predators. But, they are the main diet for many tentacle creatures like the jellyfish. As the population of copepods is increasing in the Antarctic region, so is the number of their predators.
Mr Griffiths, of British Antarctic Survey (BAS), said: ''Marine animals spent millions of years adapting to the freezing, stable conditions of the Antarctic waters and they are highly sensitive to change.”
''The polar oceans are rich in biodiversity. But if species are unable to move or adapt to new conditions they could ultimately die out.”
''Copepods are 120 times smaller than krill, which is inevitably going to affect all the things that feed in that area.”
''Penguins, sea birds, whales are all used to catching large items of prey. But creatures with tentacles - like jellyfish are going to have more food value out of smaller prey.”
''This kind of predator will do better in this warmer environment.”
''We already have huge numbers of amazing looking jellyfish. They are not quite invading but numbers will go up to the point where they become the dominant group.
Mr. Griffiths also claims that as the waters get warmers and existing species of jellyfish begin to thrive, there is no doubt that other species of jellyfish will also move into the region. Similarly, other invertebrates that cannot withstand the freezing water temperatures of the Antarctic will also begin to move in as the waters get warmer, just like the jellyfish.
However, the precarious balance that is held in place by the amount of sea ice is being threatened. Penguins are losing their breeding ground as well as their staple diet, while jellyfish are beginning to flourish in the region that penguins once ruled.
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