Antarctica May Once Have Been Ice-Free and Full of Life

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Yesterday, a report in National Geographic released findings of a scientific expedition to Antarctica that suggest four-legged creatures have been living there as far back as 245 million years ago. The scientists found no bones, but they did find a series of fossilized burrows that make them think that a cat-size mammal known as Thrinaxodon may have made them. This finding supports the theory that Antarctica once had no ice on it and was populated by diverse animals and plants.

Part of Antarctica is claimed by Argentina to reside within their territory and Argentina has had a claim on the continent for over 100 years, though it is often unrecognized. Argentina, particularly Ushuaia, and Chile are frequently jumping off points to explore this fascinating—if extreme—landscape; tours to the region are growing every year.

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