Thermal biology of Antarctic ectotherms

Are aquatic ectotherm communities in Antarctica uniquely adapted to thrive at sub-zero temperatures? If so, does this prevent the invasion by non-native species? How will this situation change in the future?

Why is this important?

Invasions by non-native species is a leading cause for biodiversity decline. Knowing to what extent Antarctic communities are resistant to such invasions now and under future climatic conditions is important. Currently there are very few invasive species in Antarctic waters, and this could have several reasons, one being that these communities have evolved to cope with the extreme cold. Subantarctic species could be preventing from establishing because they lack these adaptations. If this is indeed the case, will these physiological limitations be alleviated when the climate warms?

Project aim:

This exciting new collaboration between BAS and the Department of Ecology from Radboud University aims to understand the thermal biology of aquatic ectotherms (amphipods and gastropods) comparing species native to Antarctica and species from subantarctic Chile.