Scientific reasons for the study of terrestrial ecosystems in the Antarctic are outlined together with brief descriptions of the maritime and continental zones. Opportunities for ecological research are highlighted in a consideration of the terrestrial environments, biological colonisation, organism survival and community development. Future research themes in terrestrial ecology are identified.
Paper presented at the Symposium on Polar regions: the challenge for biological and ecological research organised by the Swiss Committee for Polar Research, Basel on 2 October 1992