Adaptive Radiation in Antarctic Notothenioids

Abstract

Antarctic notothenioids have undergone adaptive radiation in order to survive. Some challenges notothenioids face includes maintaining proper organ function, increased blood viscosity, maintaining appropriate protein levels, and conserving energy. Many of the solutions that the Notothenioidei have evolved to these challenges are considered to be ‘disadaptations’, as they are typically only advantageous under these unique environmental conditions. This paper explores the mechanisms used by the Notothenioidei to survive the Antarctic waters, despite all the environmental pressures.