Around 200 million years ago during the split of Gondwanaland, Australia and New Zealand were separated from the Asian continent. Explain the geological and physical process of the separation and how this has made Australia and New Zealand unique.
What are the Wallace and Weber Lines? Explain the significance of these two lines of separation as they relate to the unique biodiversity that is presently observed in Australia and New Zealand.
Explain the ways in which other countries colonized and exploited Australia and New Zealand, providing dates of occupation and independence.
The indigenous people in Australia and New Zealand were (and still are) severely affected by colonization, dating back to the 16th century. Explain the process by which the Aborigines in Australia and the Maori in New Zealand were affected by the British occupation and imperialism. How did the occupation lead to the decimation of the social/economic/health conditions of the Aborigines and Maori?
The physiography of Australia and New Zealand are very different. Describe the two countries in terms of their geology, physiography, and climatic conditions.
