THE STEPPE TRACE IN CENTRAL ARCTIC AND ANTARCTIC

Abstract

Considerations about steppe elements in modern Arctic and Antarctic high latitudes, about problematic sofy edoma, which was the ground for Late Pleistocene cryoarid mammoth prairies and their genetic relations to modern steppes are expounded. Taking the Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) Antarctic expansion into consideration, the steppe trace spreading is acknowledged for both Hemispheres high latitudes. The grass expansion in both Central Arctic and Antarctic is considered a compensation for steppe loss in their geographical zone and future potential for agricultural economy.