Australia, Pacific Islands, & Antarctica

Physical Characteristics
‡ Wide range of vegetation, from tropical rain forests to desert scrub ‡ Australia is mostly desert ‡ The Great Dividing Range is located along the eastern coast of Australia ‡ The Great Barrier Reef is located off the Northeastern coast of Australia

Physical characteristics cont.

‡ Australia¶s isolation has resulted in unique animal life ‡ Antarctica is the world¶s coldest, driest, windiest continent: It is mostly icecap. ‡ Pacific islands are mostly volcanic, coral or continental

Economic Characteristics
‡ Require air and water travel to bring goods and services to remote areas ‡ Dry areas of Australia well suited to cattle and sheep ranching ‡ upset of environmental balance, caused by the introduction of nonnative plants and animals ‡ ranching, mining (primary activities)

Cultural Characteristics
‡ Pacific Islands are sparsely populated ‡ Most of Australia¶s population lives near the coast ‡ Traditional culture continues to shape life in the Pacific Islands ‡ Lifestyles range from subsistence farming to modern city living ‡ Cultures reflect the mix of European and indigenous cultures (ex: Maori and aborigines) ‡ Antarctica has no permanent residents

Cultural characteristics cont.

‡ Cities as centers of culture and trade
± Canberra ACT (Australian Capital Territory) ± Sydney, Australia ± Melbourne, Australia

‡ Cultural landscape
± Sydney Opera House ± Cattle and Sheep station (Australia) ± Research stations (Antarctica) ± Thatched roof dwellings (Pacific Islands)