Geography
What is Australasia's ranking in size when compared to other continents?
It is the smallest continent.
What did the Polynesians use to explore islands in the Pacific?
How long has Australia's Great Barrier Reef been growing?
approximately 500,000 years
What is the name of the highest peak in New Zealand?
Mount Cook
What is an example of a marsupial in Australia?
Kangaroo, wallaby, koala
What is the deepest point in the Pacific Ocean?
Mariana trench
What is the native name of one of the most remote islands on the planet?
Easter Island is called Rapa Nui in the Maori language.
What caused the animals of Australia to be so unique?
They were isolated from the rest of the world.
What are the 2 river systems which start in the Great Dividing Range?
Murray River and Darling River
What is the difference between saltwater crocodiles and alligators?
Crocodiles have a v-shaped snout and webbed feet, alligator's snouts are u-shaped and have clawed feet
What is the name of the only ocean that goes all the way around the globe?
Southern Ocean
What are the 3 major regions that make up Polynesia?
New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Easter Island
What is the largest bird in Australia?
Emu
What is the name of the native people of New Zealand?
Maori
How are marsupials different than other mammals?
They are born before they are fully developed and finish developing in a pouch
How old are the Southern Alps in New Zealand?
About 60 million years
Describe the type of canoes used by the Polynesians.
double hull, large sail
What is the name of the continent that Australia is located on?
Australasia
What are meetinghouses used for in Maori culture?
rituals and other social activities
What animals make up a coral reef system?
coral polyps
What are the 3 types of deserts? Give an example of each type.
Cold Desert - Gobi
Hot Desert - Sahara, Kalahari
Coastal Desert - Namib
Where did the Polynesians originate from?
New Guinea
What is the name of the desert in Australia?
Great Sandy Desert
What is the purpose of the carvings on a Maori meetinghouse?
to display family history, power, and wealth
Outside of Australia, what is an example of a marsupial living in North America?
opossum