Austral Realm Flashcards
(61 cards)
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