The Austral and Pacific Realms Notes 4/4

Climate in Australia

Similar to Washington D.C. toward the eastern coast and more dry toward the west and central regions.

What is the significance of the Outback in Australia?

The Outback is known for the gold rush of 1851, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria.

Biogeography

The study of plant life and animal life.

What is Wallace’s Line?

A line that separates the ecozones of Asia and Wallacea, identifying Australia’s zoo geography realm.

Island Invaders

Exotic animals starting to appear in homes they don’t originate from.

Native population of New Zealand

The Maori arrived in the 10th century.

Treaty of Waitangi

A treaty that gave Britain sovereignty over New Zealand and the right to govern.

The Pacific Realm

The largest total area of all geographic realms but the smallest land area of all the realms, characterized by high fragmentation.

Cook Strait

The strait that separates New Zealand's North Island and South Island.

Characteristics of New Zealand's topography

Relatively low relief with a higher earthquake frequency.

Population distribution of Maori

Nearly all Maori live on the North Island because the South Island is too mountainous.

High island - Low island cultures

A categorization of cultures in the Pacific realm.

Where does 90% of the Pacific realm's population live?

In New Guinea.

Mountainous area in Australia

Mt. Kosciusko, the highest point in Australia.

Characteristics of Australia's tectonic plate

Australia lies in the middle of its own tectonic plate, making earthquakes rare.