The Arctic and Antarctic sit at opposite ends of the Earth. While these icy extremes share surprising similarities, there are some big differences between them too. From their unique geographies to the wildlife and weather, these polar regions offer endless opportunities for comparison. In this post, we’ll explore the fascinating ways the Arctic and Antarctic are alike—and how they differ.
Before we dive in: If you’re an educator planning to teach about the Arctic or Antarctica in your classroom, great learning resources are key to deepening understanding! I think you and your students will love my Arctic and Antarctica Units (plus you’ll support my blog with your purchase! ❤️)
Arctic vs Antarctic: key differences & similarities
The Arctic and Antarctic are polar regions, located at opposite ends of our planet. At the center of the Antarctic, you will find the South Pole. The North Pole is in the center of the Arctic. Though they are far apart, the Arctic and Antarctic are similar in many ways. For example, both have a period of round-the-clock daylight in mid-summer and a period of total darkness in mid-winter. Furthermore, both the Arctic and Antarctic experience some of the coldest temperatures on our planet.
Geography
Geographically, there are some big differences between the Arctic and Antarctic. The Antarctic Circle is centered over one big continent: Antarctica. On the other hand, the Arctic Circle is filled by the Arctic Ocean, islands, and coastlines. Both the Arctic and Antarctic have lots of ice. Antarctica is covered in a gigantic glacial ice sheet and surrounded by seas covered in ice shelves and pack ice. The Arctic is filled with lots of floating sea ice.
Animals & Plants
The Arctic and Antarctic are home to some of the same animals. Both have whales, seals, and seabirds. But the similarities end there. For example, you won’t find penguins in the Arctic – they live in Antarctica only. This is good for the penguins because there are hungry polar bears in the Arctic. Polar bears are not the only animals found in the Arctic but not in the Antarctic. Walrus, puffins, reindeer, wolves, and foxes are all found in the far north, but not in Antarctica.
Compared to other places, both the Arctic and Antarctic have very few plants. So what do the animals eat? Tiny plants in the ocean called phytoplankton are an important food source in the Arctic and Antarctic. The phytoplankton are food for little ocean invertebrates called zooplankton (e.g., krill). The krill feed many larger animals – from fish and seabirds to baleen whales!
Weather and More
Both the Arctic and Antarctic are pretty chilly year-round. However, they get their coldest weather at different times of year. In July, when it is summer in the Arctic, it is winter in the Antarctic. Then in January, it is winter in the Arctic but summer in the Antarctic.
Another cool thing about the Arctic and Antarctic is that they both have dancing polar lights in the sky at night. These lights are called the Aurora Borealis in the north and Aurora Australis in the south. These incredible, natural light shows are caused when tiny particles from the sun bump into the Earth’s magnetic field.
Teaching Polar Regions in Your Classroom
There’s no need to scramble to put together the perfect lesson for the polar regions – I’ve already created it for you! This set includes all the printable materials you need for studying this subject.
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Product on sale
Polar Bundle: discounted set of 2 units – Arctic & AntarcticaOriginal price was: $27.00.$21.60Current price is: $21.60. -
Antarctica: an ecology unit plus STEM activities!$15.00 -
Arctic Unit: ecology of the far north unit study!$12.00
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