It is in the dim light of the midnight sun that you rise for your daily meal. You swim up with the rest of your brethren, one of millions looking to feast in the waters above. You filter the water near the surface, eating until you’re full and green, your translucent body showing the signs of a breakfast well eaten. When you finish, you sink down to let others come through to the buffet.

When most people think of Antarctica, they probably think of one of a few things: penguins; snow and cold climates; or the South Pole. Not everyone realizes that Antarctica is actually the world’s largest desert, with an area equalling the Sahara, Australian, and Arabian Deserts combined. In fact, it is home to some of the driest places on the planet. In addition to the cold and harsh environment, there’s little that wants to live there. That doesn’t stop life from looking to flourish on our coldest continent.

The sun shines down on the partially snow-covered tundra, the days becoming longer and warmer. Snow melt can be heard trickling down through the rocky landscape towards the river. It’s also the first time in eight months that Sik, an arctic ground squirrel, peeks his head outside of his burrow.