Austral Realm Flashcards
What constitutes the AUSTRAL REALM?
Relative location, territorial dimensions, and cultural landscape
How do Australia and New Zealand differ physically?
Australia is vast, dry, and low-relief; New Zealand is mountainous with a temperate climate
What is marked by peripheral development in the AUSTRAL REALM?
Australia due to its aridity and New Zealand due to its topography
What is the smallest continent?
Australia
What is the lowest average elevation continent?
Australia
What is the driest landmass except Antarctica?
Australia
What is the smallest population continent?
Australia
What is the Subtropical Convergence?
Marine transition where cold, dense waters meet warmer waters of the other three oceans
Where did the ancestors of today’s Aboriginal Persons come from?
Asia/Africa
How long ago did the ancestors of today’s Aboriginal Persons begin settling the Pacific region?
50,000 years ago
What ecological impact did the ancestors of Aboriginal Persons have?
Caused ecosystem collapse by burning which led to spread of desert scrub and extinction of large mammals
What caused further destruction of remaining wildlife habitats in Australia?
Arrival of Europeans and their livestock
What was Australia’s status during World War II regarding the Japanese Empire?
An outpost of the British Isles far from nearly everywhere on Earth, saved from Japanese Empire by remoteness
What policy influenced immigration in Australia from 1901 to 1978?
White Australia Policy
What type of admission policy did Australia adopt during the White Australia Policy?
An all-white admission policy
What significant legal ruling occurred in Australia in 1992?
Australian courts ruled in favor of Aboriginal land claims
What action did the Australian government take in 2008 regarding Aboriginal mistreatment?
Apologized for Aboriginal mistreatment
What are some ongoing issues faced by Aboriginals in Australia?
High infant mortality rate, high unemployment rate, low life expectancy
What year did Australia gain independence?
1901
What year did New Zealand gain independence?
1907
Which country remains loyal to Britain despite independence?
Australia and New Zealand
What is the settlement pattern in Australia and New Zealand?
Peripheral with clustered urban populations along the coast
What dominates the economic geography of Australia and New Zealand?
Export of livestock, specialty goods, wheat, and mineral resources
Australia and New Zealand are integrated into the economic framework of which region?
Asian Pacific Rim
What do Australia and New Zealand primarily supply to China and Japan?
Raw materials
What trend in immigration is noted in Australia?
Heightened immigration from neighboring realms
Which immigrant groups outnumber European immigrants in Australia?
East & South Asian immigrants (Vietnam, China, & India)
What is a notable characteristic of Sydney’s demographic?
Mosaic of ethnic neighborhoods
What does industry in Australia now rely on to meet skilled-labor demands?
Immigration
What do Australia and New Zealand have in common?
British heritage; pastoral economies; small internal markets; distant and remote location.
Both countries share historical ties to Britain and similar economic structures.
What percentage of the populations in Australia and New Zealand are urbanized?
87%
This urbanization often leads to populations living in peripheral areas.
What is a concern regarding the quality of life in Australia and New Zealand?
Status of indigenous peoples
Despite a generally high quality of life, there are ongoing issues related to the rights and conditions of indigenous populations.
When did Australia become a federation?
1901
How many states and territories does Australia comprise?
6 states and 2 territories
What is the Australian Capital Territory?
The capital territory of Australia
What type of land is the Outback primarily characterized by?
Grassland pastures
What industries are supported by the Outback?
Massive sheep and cattle industries
Approximately how many Aboriginal people live in Australia today?
Around 800,000
Why is the Australian Core Area significant?
Because of climate, population is concentrated in east and southeast
Which ocean does the eastern and southeastern part of Australia face?
Pacific Ocean
What are the major urban centers in Australia?
Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra
What percentage of Australia’s population is urban?
89%
What are the main agricultural products of Australia?
Wool, meat, and wheat
Where is dairying primarily located in Australia?
Near cities
What type of farming is commercial grain farming in Australia?
Mediterranean specialty crops
What does Australia export and depend on?
Raw materials and world markets
What is a characteristic of Australia’s domestic market?
Small domestic market
How are trade links with Asian Tigers described?
Shaky
What is a marsupial?
Animal whose young are born very early in their development and then are carried in an abdominal pouch.
Marsupials include species such as kangaroos and koalas, which are native to Australia.
What does biogeography study?
Distribution of fauna and flora.
Biogeography examines how and why species are distributed in different geographical areas.
What is the significance of Wallace’s Line?
It marks a boundary that separates the ecozones of Asia and Australia.
Wallace’s Line highlights the distinct differences in species on either side of the line.
What is the significance of Weber’s Line?
It separates the ecozones of the Asian and Australian regions, indicating biogeographical differences.
Weber’s Line is similar to Wallace’s Line but is located further east.
What are the two major geographical features of New Zealand?
Two major islands
New Zealand consists of the North Island and the South Island.
What mountain range is present in New Zealand?
Southern Alps
The Southern Alps are known for their mountainous environments.
What natural hazards is New Zealand vulnerable to?
Volcanoes and earthquakes
New Zealand is located where world tectonic plates meet.
What is the approximate population of New Zealand?
4 million
What percentage of New Zealand’s population is European?
85%
What is the estimated population of the Māori in New Zealand?
< 600,000
The Māori make up about 15% of the country’s population.
Where is the population of New Zealand primarily concentrated?
Lower-lying slopes and lowland fringes
What are the primary export revenues of New Zealand?
Wool, milk products, meat, vegetables, cereals, fruits
These exports contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
