Australia and the Pacific Realm

​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utb4gruKItM&t=1s

World Map

Australia

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Australia, &The Pacific Realm

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The Geography of Australia

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This region is spread across a
vast ocean area.

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Location: Southern
Hemisphere

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Only country that’s a
continent.

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Climate: Mostly arid (dry)

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20% of Australia is desert

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Few people live in the
interior, otherwise known as
the outback.

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After video, add two facts
to your notes.

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The Geography of Australia

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Many indigenous (native to
the area) plants & animals:

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Eucalyptus & Acacia Trees

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Marsupials (Females carry
their babies in a pouch):
Kangaroos, Koalas,
Wallabies, Wombats,
Tasmanian Devils.

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Platypus & Echidna - The
only mammals that lay
eggs.

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Native Birds

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Australia’s native bird: Kookaburra

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A large kingfisher, famous for its call, sounds
like laughter

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The Great Barrier Reef

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World’s largest coral reef

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A complex marine (sea based) ecosystem

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1,250 miles of most diverse plants & animals

Called “the rainforest of the sea

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The Geography of the Pacific Realm

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Thousands of small islands
and coral reefs in the
Pacific Ocean.

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Coral reefs: rock-like
structures built by layers of
coral organisms.

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Atolls Dot the region;
Ring-shaped islands made
of coral.

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New Zealand

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Non-native plants &
animals (some invasive
species) have been
introduced to the region
and have harmed native
species.

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19 different mammal
species have become
extinct.

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New Zealand: Made up of
two major islands SE of
Australia: Southern Alps
mountains rise more than
12,000 ft.

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New Zealand’s native birds:
Kiwi, Kakapo, Cassowary, &
Emu.

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The Pacific Islands

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Climate: tropical & warm

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High islands receive much
rainfall.

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Pineapples, sugarcane, &
mangoes grow in the
region.

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Low islands experience
drought, therefore they
depend less on agriculture
and more on fishing.

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A group of 20-30,000
islands Northeast of
Australia & NZ.

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High islands are formed by
volcanic activity. Volcanic
cones make up high islands.

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Low islands are coral
islands - a buildup of coral
skeletons and other tiny
marine organisms.

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