Key insights
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1
Antarctica's Green Past: Antarctica was once part of a supercontinent called Gondwana, covered with green forests and inhabited by diverse life forms around 100 million years ago.
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Transition to Icy Landscape: The continent started developing its icy cover around 34 million years ago due to tectonic shifts and climatic changes, leading to the formation of the Antarctic ice sheets.
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Impact of Global Climate Changes: The article highlights how past climate shifts have played a crucial role in transforming Antarctica's environment, offering insights into potential future changes due to global warming.
Takeaways
Understanding Antarctica's ice-free past provides valuable insights into the continent's climatic evolution and highlights the profound impact of global climate changes. This knowledge is crucial for predicting future environmental shifts as the planet continues to warm.