Living in the Land Down Under

Major Geographic Characteristics Isolated Isolated Development along the coast Development along the coast Clustered urban regions Clustered urban regions Major exporters of livestock & minerals Major exporters of livestock & minerals Rich cultural history Rich cultural history

Physical Geography of Australia Insert Physical Map Here.

Climate of Australia & Oceania

Agricultural Resources

Mineral Resources

Population

Biogeography Biogeography studies the spatial distributions of flora and fauna around the world. Biogeography studies the spatial distributions of flora and fauna around the world. Australia has unique biogeography since the flora and fauna have historically been isolated from the rest of the world. Australia has unique biogeography since the flora and fauna have historically been isolated from the rest of the world.

World’s largest reef system World’s largest reef system Located along northeastern coast of Australia. Located along northeastern coast of Australia. Serves as major source of revenue through tourism Serves as major source of revenue through tourism Experiencing environmental degradation. Experiencing environmental degradation. The Great Barrier Reef

The Australian Outback has desert and steppe climate. Photo: Ayer’s Rock (Uluru), located in the center of Australia.

New Zealand’s South Island is mountainous and experiences highland climate.

New Zealand’s North Island is less rugged & has a more mild climate.

The islands of the South Pacific have a tropical climate.

High Islands: volcanic islands that rise high above sea level- they are mountainous. High Islands: volcanic islands that rise high above sea level- they are mountainous. Low Islands: generally small and consist of built-up sand and coral. Low Islands: generally small and consist of built-up sand and coral. High Islands and Low Islands