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