Why Can’t Spiders Live in Antarctica?
WouterSpiders are very resilient creatures, able to survive extreme cold temperatures. They are able to survive to about 23 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when they get cold, they become less active. This is called diapause.
This slows their metabolisms, causing them to use less oxygen. The oxygen-temperature hypothesis states that this is what helps polar invertebrates grow to large sizes. But there’s still much research to be done to determine the actual cause.
The Antarctic sea spider is a marine arthropod with eight legs. They can be as big as a dinner plate. They live in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. Their leg spans can be as long as 25 centimeters. These sea spiders are a distant cousin to the spiders that live on land.
They are thought to be the largest invertebrates on Earth. Some species can reach over 50 cm. Several researchers have tried to figure out why this happens. One theory is that these spiders have an oxygen-temperature advantage.
Another theory is that the higher concentration of dissolved oxygen in the seawater in Antarctica may be vital to their survival. But how much do these giant sea spiders need to survive?
Scientists have discovered that these sea spiders require more exercise than their counterparts in warmer waters. This increase in surface area leads to an umbrella-like effect. This makes them vulnerable to ocean currents, which can sweep them off their feet. The larger hitchhikers also add more energy to their walk.
