Oceania is a culture region that includes about 25,000 islands in the Pacific
Ocean. The three main island regions are Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
Papua New Guinea is the largest and most populous island. The main economic
activities in Oceania are agriculture and tourism.
The continent of Antarctica sits at the southern end of the earth. A thick
ice cap covers a landscape of mountains, valleys, and plateaus. Although it
is the coldest place on Earth, it is considered a desert climate due to the
lack of precipitation. Even with its harsh environment, Antarctica can still
support life. Penguins, fish, whales, and many kinds of birds live in or near
the rich seas surrounding Antarctica, and many eat a tiny, shrimplike creature
called krill. Scientists believe that Antarctica contains a wealth of minerals.
A treaty among several countries allows scientific research in Antarctica—such
as study of the ozone layer—but not the removal of its minerals.