Explore Students will design and build an organism with special adaptations and specific behaviors that can survive in Antarctica. This can be a drawing or a 3-D model. Plants tend to grow close to the ground or in the rocks for protection. Fish produce up to eight different kinds of antifreeze molecules that keep their bodies from freezing. Large animals lose body heat more slowly than small animals.
Animals have insulators such as extra layers of feathers or blubber.
Animals hibernate or relocate to avoid harsh conditions. A slow metabolism uses less oxygen and energy. Soft body parts and removal of air from lungs and body cavities helps the body survive deep ocean pressures. Salts and other organic compounds are accumulated in the bodies of mollusks. These lower the body temperature and keep them from freezing.