SB

The Austral and Pacific Realms Notes 4/4

The Austral and Pacific Realms

Australia:

  • Climate Similar to DC toward the eastern coast

  • Climate is more dry toward the west and central regions

  • The Outback (Interior) - Gold rush of 1851, New South Wales and Victoria

  • Land and Environement

    • Australia lies in the middle of its own tectonic plate (Earthquakes are rare)

    • Mt. Kosciusko is the highest point in Australia

  • Biogeography - The study of plant life and animal life

    • Wallace’s Line

      • Separates the ecozones of Asia and Wallacea identifying Australia’s zoo geography realm

      • A transitional zone between Asia and Australia

  • Island Invaders

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

      • Marsupials Kangaroos

New Zealand:

  • Consists of 2 islands North Island and South Island

    • 2 islands are separated by the Cook Strait

    • Topography - relatively low relief, higher earthquake frequency

  • Native Population - The Maori arrived in 10th century

    • British prevailed with the Treaty of Waitangi - Treaty gave Britain sovereignty over New Zealand and Governor the right to govern

    • Nearly all Maori live on the North Island because the south is too mountainous

The Pacific Realm:

  • Largest total area of all geographic realms

  • Smallest land area of all the realms

  • High fragmented realm

  • A realm in Politico-Geographical transition

  • Comprised of High island - Low island cultures

  • 90% of Pacific realm lives in New Guinea