Explain what biome comprises most of Antarctica and why the continent is described as being part of this biome
The biome that comprises most of Antarctica is the polar desert biome. This is because Antarctica is almost entirely covered by ice and is considered the coldest and driest continent on Earth.
Antarctica is described as being part of the polar desert biome because it shares several characteristics with other deserts around the world. In deserts, the annual precipitation is very low, and Antarctica receives less than 200 mm of snowfall per year. Similarly, deserts are known for their extreme temperatures, and Antarctica experiences extremely cold temperatures, with the average winter temperature ranging from -40°C to -70°C.
Another similarity is the limited biodiversity found in deserts, and the same applies to Antarctica. Due to the harsh conditions, only a few species of plants and animals have been able to adapt and survive in this environment. Most of the continent's fauna consists of marine organisms in the surrounding waters, such as penguins, seals, and whales.
Furthermore, deserts are characterized by their vast expanses of barren landscapes, and Antarctica presents a similar feature with its ice-covered terrain and vast stretches of frozen desert.
Overall, the polar desert biome is the most suitable classification for Antarctica due to its low precipitation, extreme temperatures, limited biodiversity, and barren landscapes, making it a unique and challenging environment.