Antarctica is notoriously cold, windy and dry, so crossing it unaided used to be regarded as a mission impossible. That remained true until this week, when American Colin O'Brady announced the success of his epic solo trek through the continent.
But what was crowned as a breakthrough by a human being is a common occurrence for animals.
American adventurer Colin O'Brady became the first person to complete a solo trek across Antarctica without help of any kind. /VCG Photo
Attempts to cross Antartica have never stopped since the continent was spotted 198 years ago even though they had previously been defeated by secondary injuries caused by low temperatures and lack of food and water. Topping the list of threats is hypothermia caused by long-time exposure to low temperatures. Adventurers are at risk of losing heat faster than it is produced, damaging nerves and leading to chronic pain. However, Antarctic animals such as penguins worry much less about heat loss thanks to their thick feathers. The four layers of feathers overlap each other, making a coat that protects their bodies from wind or icy water that take away the inner heat.
Other mammals like Antarctic seals and whales use a thick layer of fat or blubber as insulation. Laying underneath the skin, the fat preserves their inner heat while their skin stays at the identical temperature as the water around them. The seals and whales are able to swim indefinitely in water without suffering from hyperthermia.
Elephant seals. /VCG Photo
Another role played by the layer of fat is to reserve energy, allowing elephant seals to live through a whole summer.
You may also find animals like penguins have small bills and flippers, given extremities are always the first part to feel cold. Years of evolution modified these parts so that the least heat is lost.
Even though people have also tried to go through the continent in groups, their failed attempts proved our inability to take advantage of collectiveness as well as emperor penguins do in Antarctica. The animals have a unique habit of sharing warmth by huddling together. Such a formation of penguin walls also works as a strong shield to protect other members from the wind.
Emperor penguins in a huddle. /VCG Photo
Food supply stands as another sticking point in crossing Antarctica by humans. People need energy to keep heat, but carrying too much food can be a burden over long distances. It's not like the continent is barren land without food resources. In fact, Antarctic water fosters abundant plants eaten by krill which is the main dish for penguins and whales. Apparently, living off these krill on a daily basis during trekking looks impossible and infeasible.