What Are The Origins Of The Names Arctic And Antarctica?

Himanshi singh       May 19, 2020

#Astronomy

         So how did these names come about in the first place? While there is no definitive answer, one common theory suggests that the Greek word arktos could be a reference to the constellation Ursa Major, or Great Bear, which features prominently in many cultures' myths about the heavens. 

#Antarctica - Land Of No Bear

        As for Antarctica, some experts believe that its name comes from the Greek word antarktikos, which means "opposite to the Arctic." There are no bears in Antarctica, suggesting this could be how it received its name.  

#Discovery Of The Arctic And Antarctic

      Ancient Greek seafarers were the first people to explore the Arctic region in 325 BC. But in 1909, two explorers - Frederick A. Cook and Robert E. Peary - claimed they reached the North Pole before anyone else had.  

#Ocean

    The Arctic Ocean is one of the world’s smallest bodies of water, occupying more than five million square miles of the Arctic region. The ocean extends across much of the northernmost part of our planet, fed by a variety of other waters. .  

#Temperature

   The Arctic is a region well known for its frigid weather and endless frozen tundra. With an average winter temperature of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is certainly colder than many other parts of the world. 

#Wildlife

   The Arctic is home to an abundance of diverse mammal species. These include polar bears, which are the largest terrestrial carnivores in the world. They hunt on seasonal sea ice during winter months.  

#Wildlife

  In contrast, the Antarctic is an inhospitable environment that has a limited range of plant species. Practically a dessert, only a handful of terrestrial flowering plants grow in Antarctica, including Antarctic hair grass, Antarctic pearlwort, and non-native bluegrass. .  

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