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Ancient penguin poo feeding moss |
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Tuesday, 10 July 2012 |
Moss beds near Casey station are being nourished by nitrogen from ancient penguin poo.
Image: Sharon Robinson
Luxuriant moss beds growing near Casey station in Antarctica are being nourished by the remains of an ancient Adelie penguin colony.
Australian scientists have found fossil evidence of the colony as well as pebbles from the penguins’ nests and the fertilizing nutrient, nitrogen, with a distinct ‘seabird signature’ originating from penguin poo.
The nitrogen is now feeding the moss beds after being locked in the frozen soil for up to 8000 years.
More information:
BBC story
Editor's Note: Original news release can be found here. |
