FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.ansp.org
Date: January 2, 2008
Contact: Carolyn Belardo 215 299-1043, belardo@ansp.org
To download this release and images: www.ansp.org/media
COOL FACTS ABOUT “ENDS OF THE EARTH: FROM POLAR
BEARS TO PENGUINS” FEB. 9 − APRIL 27, 2008
PHILADELPHIA —“Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins” takes visitors on the
coolest adventure in the world—to Earth’s polar regions. Here are some fascinating facts about
the Arctic and the Antarctic that visitors will discover:
About the Arctic
The Arctic has no definitive boundaries, but its character is easy to define. The North Pole sits in
the center of a large, ice-covered ocean, which in turn is surrounded by barren, frozen land.
Despite harsh conditions, the Arctic is full of life, including a wide variety of animals, plants and
people. Eight nations have territory in the Arctic: the U.S., Canada, Russia, Denmark, Norway,
Finland, Sweden and Iceland. The Arctic is extremely sensitive to environmental changes such as
pollution and global warming.
About the Antarctic
Thick ice covers 98 percent of the continent of Antarctica, the coldest, driest, windiest region on
Earth. This ice contains about 90 percent of the Earth’s fresh water. The sea supports nearly all
life in Antarctica, including penguins, whales, seals and seabirds. The largest land animal is a tiny
insect called a midge. Antarctica has no government and there are no formally recognized
territorial claims. The 1959 Antarctica Treaty protects the continent by setting it aside as a
scientific preserve and outlining how nations must use and care for the unique territory.
For more information, go to www.ansp.org/polar. “Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to
Penguins” is free with museum admission. It was produced by Science North and was made
possible with support from Quark Expeditions.
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The Academy is located at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway and is open Monday through Friday from 10
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.