Physical Geography - Exam 4 Notes:

Landforms of Africa:
*Africa doesn’t have “long” mountain ranges due to relatively low geological activity. About 70% of
surface are plateaus.

-Atlas Mountains: Dry Mountain range, not particularly high (max around 13k feet tall).

-Drakensberg Mountains: Part of the Great Escarpment (the edge of the Southern African Plateau).

-Guinea Highlands: Very mineral rich region (bauxite).

-Adamawa Highlands: Volcanic origin, not especially high. Home of the Iron Age society (1500 BCE) and
source of the Bantu Migrations (language that expanded through several other African regions).

-Ethiopian Highlands: High elevations, “roof of Africa”. Importance of coffee production and
domesticated crop.

-Isolated Volcanic Peaks of East Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) is the tallest peak of Africa (19340
feet, dormant volcano, & source of evidence of global warming). Other important mountains are Mount
Kenya & Mount Elgon. East Africa moving away from the rest of the continent causes the formation of
rift valleys (separations of plates which make areas to sink down). Best example is the Great Rift Valley.

Waterforms:
-Rift Valley Lakes: From North to south: Rudolf, Albert, Edward, Kivu, Tanganyika & Malawi (or Nyasa).
Tanganyika is the largest and deepest (all are deep because they are located in grabens; sunken areas
within the earth’s crust). Also in the area, Lake Victoria, which is not located in a graben (exception).

-Nile River (White Nile & Blue Nile): Longest River in the world (4145 miles). Exotic stream; flows from
humid areas to dry areas. Extremely important historically for Egypt, Aswan High Damn created to
guarantee water supply. However, negative ecological impact (stagnant water, parasites,
schistosomiasis (by snails, one of the worst sicknesses in Egypt), silting, decreased soil fertility &
salinization due to contact with the Nile Delta) because it changes the natural flow of the river.

-Niger River: Major River of west Africa. Wet season and dry season. Dries in dry season forming an
inland delta. Critical ecosystem & important source of oil and natural gas.

-Congo River: Great water volume (2nd after Amazon) & deepest. Huge importance for energy production
(hydroelectric potential due to rapids, waterfalls, gradient, etc). From Matadi to Kinshasa (capital of
Democratic Republic of the Congo), but due to the circumstances of the river is impossible to use it for
transportation.

-Zambezi River: Also very important for electricity (Ex: Kariba Dam) in countries such as Zambia,
Zimbabwe, etc. This river drops from one plateau to another (Victoria Falls or The Smoke that
Thunders), between lake Kariba & Kariba Dam.
Human Geography:
-Ancient States: Oral tradition (problematic because it is hard to study for us in the present). Written
tradition would allow for a more accurate representation. Africa gets split apart by the 10 degrees North
latitude line, since up north the Sahara dessert is dominant. From language perspective, languages from
sub-Saharan regions are different from Saharan (Arab, Berber). Similar from a religious perspective,
since to the north of the line is mostly Islamic while to the south is mostly Christian. Oldest civilizations
we know from Africa are a series of civilizations that thrived in the savannas of western Africa (West
Africa Savanna empires). The first of these was ancient Ghana. Berbers transmitted Islam through the
region & created a great commercial route of salt (which was as important as gold by the time).
Important materials for trade were gold, ivory, ebony & slaves (beginning of this practice).

-Slave Trade & damage done: Continued from previous section, established in several African routes
such as the cross-Saharan route, east African route & trans-Atlantic route (last major & largest route to
be shut down about the beginning of the 20 th century; established by Europeans). Used “triangle trade”
between the Americas (Brazil, Caribbean & colonial US) and Africa (West, from mouth of Congo River).
One of the greatest crimes of history of humanity, which caused huge amounts of deaths under horrible
circumstances (estimated around 30-35 million death toll). Ended due to changes in economics mainly
(society changed to be more traded based instead of Imperialism based).

-Age of Colonialism & Imperialism: Huge social change in Europe due to the industrial revolutions, which
triggered a second wave of imperialism. Due to economic reasons, need for a big open place with plenty
of exploitable resources. Several European countries involved, which led to a chaotic situation in their
search for power known as ¨the scramble¨. Otto von Bismarck (chancellor of Germany in the late 1800s)
was the architect for the unification of Germany in 1871. Berlin Conference (1884-1885), in which
Germans invited other European countries to discuss the drawing of boundaries for their territorial
claims. Expansion mainly made possible by use of missionaries transmitting religious values. Also, some
Europeans felt the ¨need¨ to bring civilization to these ¨poor¨ countries (white man´s burden).
Paternalism was the Belgium policy correspondent to this, treating Africans as children in need.

-Legacy of Colonialism/Imperialism: Age of Imperialism was relatively short (about a century), but left
consequences such as new superimposed boundaries, which ignored the history of the areas. This led to
tensions between the different cultures. In 1963, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), known today
as the African Union (AU), was created. They stated that the boundaries at the time of independence in
Africa cannot change to avoid a situation of balkanization. Lack in industrial development since Africa
was mainly used as a farm by Europeans, which caused a situation of economic dependence from them.
Their balance of trade was poor, selling raw materials and import manufactured products. Last
consequence is about political independence; in 1960, 17 African countries got their independence. This
happened very quicky and with very little preparation, giving the Africans a lot of complications.

-HIV/AIDS: The Big One (medical geography): This is the name gave to the possible biggest pandemic in
Africa´s history. HIV stands for ¨Human Immunodeficiency Virus¨, which is spread by body fluids
(heterosexual contact mainly). Attacks T-cells, triggering AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Especially problematic in southern African countries such as eSwatini or Botswana. In this last one, life
expectancy dropped from 60 years to 39 since 1994 due to the virus. This pandemic is also a cause of
brain drain, making cultured individuals to migrate in order to find better opportunities. Still no cure
created for this disease in the present. Only current way of living a normal life expectancy for infected
individuals is through the use of drugs like the antiretroviral drug cocktails, but these are expensive and
unavailable to most African citizens. Behavior adjustments to stop the spread of the disease, such as the
use of condoms, which was a huge cultural issue at the time (for personal and religious reasons).

North Africa (Islam predominant)

-Morocco: 1st non-European country to recognize US independence. Good relationship with US.

-Western Sahara: Originally was a Spanish colony. Home of the Polisario, group that fought for the
independence of this country. Spain withdrew in 1975 and let Morocco & Mauritania decide the fate of
the country. Morocco “invaded” the territory, but not officially recognized by OAU. The interest of
Morocco in this territory is due the reserves of phosphates.

-Algeria: Example of country that support Western Sahara´s independence. Largest African country in
terms of land. History very related to French Imperialism (mission civilizatrice). Thus territory was used
not only for exploitation of resources, but also spreading French values (“civilizing mission”). Most
valuable colony since it was used for expatriation. Problems after WW2 in the era of Independence of
African countries, which triggered the Algerian War for independence (1954-1962). Got their
independence, but unfortunately entered another Civil War in the early 90s for internal politic reasons.
Main reason why this country hasn´t made a lot of progress recently even though they have good
resources of oil and natural gas.

-Tunisia: Specialized in Mediterranean agriculture. Also, importance of tourism due to the possession of
good climate/beaches & cultural sites such as the ancient Carthage ruins. Dessert scenes from the Star
Wars movies filmed in this country. Tunisia had been under the rule of a 23-year dictatorship (President
Zine el Abidine ben Ali). Corrupt government which ended up overthrown about 10 years ago, after an
apple seller self-immolated as an act of protest for the high prices. This act of revolution spread through
other territories (Arab Spring).

-Libya: Had been under the rule of Muammar Gaddafi for 42 years until 2011 (around the time when the
Arab Spring Occurred). Came up to power with a coup d’état and turned Libya into a rogue state. Biggest
reserves of oil in Africa. Gaddafi used the money to support international terrorism. Gradually, his
situation started deteriorating and eventually a civil war broke out. Even after Gaddafi was overthrown,
the tensions dragged on, and the country is currently in a state of transition (key places: Tripoli &
Benghazi, never mentioned in lecture).

-Egypt: Another Arab Spring, protesting against the corrupt dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak (Egyptian
Revolution of 2011). Military very powerful & eventually forced Mubarak to step down. Elections held,
won by Mohamed Morsi. Problems because of his relationship with radical Islamic groups such as the
Muslim Brotherhood, which triggered the military to remove him from the office (general Abdel Fattah
El-Sisi). Sisi still in charge of the country after winning “elections” (not under fair circumstances). Due to
the contact with the Nile, this country is under extreme population pressure (nearly 100 million people
live on 4 percent of the land. Huge importance of rice, but needs water to grow, and since some of it is
stagnant due to the Asdan Dam, it is also a cause of diseases. High quality cotton produced in Egypt.
-The Sudan: Used to be one country (& the biggest), but now it is divided into Sudan and South Sudan.
The reason for this is that being too big led to issues due to cultural differences (Arabs in the north,
Christians in the south). Tensions and civil wars, led to referendum of independence in 2008 in which a
huge amount of the population voted yes, resulting in the division of the country. Didn´t actually solve
anything and wars continued. Later on, the Sudanese government started focusing on the territory of
Darfur. Attempts of occupying but got the Sudanese government to be accused of committing genocide.
United Nations supported the claims and helped Darfur. Note: Khartoum is the capital of Sudan.

The Sahel (zone of transition, semi-arid):

-Mauritania: The other country with responsibility of deciding the fate of West Sahara. Cost to high for
them to keep the military in the region. Example of country with a strong economic dependence (with
France) due to imperialism.

-Mali: Inland delta for the Niger River. The Ancient Mali Empire was one of the Great Powers in this area.
During the cross-Saharan trade, numerous routes connected Mali to the Berbers. The leader of the Mali
Empire is considered to be the wealthiest individual of all time (Mansa Musa). The city of Timbuktu was
considered to be at the edge of civilization, an epitome of isolation. The importance of the city fated by
the end of the Middle Ages (beginning of Renaissance). Bamako (capital) is more important today.

-Burkina Faso: Very interesting capital city (Ouagadougou), which gets its name from the kingdom of
ancient Ghana. The French were here in their colony of French West Africa, making the city important as
a rail hub (center for transportation & develop relationships with neighbor countries).

-Niger: Also part of west French Africa. Major producer & exporter of uranium. People in this territory
practiced nomadic herding; constantly moving their belongings along path trails for hundreds of miles.
The reason for this is the area being semi dry, used as a practice to avoid staying in deserted regions.
This practiced caused an issue by desertification due to overgrazing for having to constantly switch back
and forth between regions.

-Chad: Main place to which refugees from the Darfur Crisis migrated in the late 90s. Unfortunately,
terrorist groups from the area exploited this situation to recruit new members. This situation caused
Chad to destabilize, creating regions of chronic instability (shatterbelt) & leading into a nasty civil war.

Horn of Africa:
-Ethiopia: Atypically for this region, was a Christian Kingdom for many centuries, one of the main
reasons why it remained independent through the colonial period. Attempts to be colonized though,
mainly by Italians in the late 90s, resisted with the support of the British. More successful attempt in
1936 (Mussolini), when they tried to recreate a modern version of the Roman Empire, part of which led
up to WW2. Not really considered colonization since it was more like a military settlement. In 1991, a
long-time dictatorship came to an end. Landlocked state after Eritrea´s independence, but agreement to
continue having access to the red sea.
-Eritrea: Got its independence from Ethiopia. Relatively easy for the rest of Africa to accept. Technically
an example of a “Federation”. Problems with Ethiopia due to annexation of territory.

-Djibouti: Used to be a key place to host French military bases. Key location because it gave them access
along the Mandeb Strait. Got independence in 1977 but continued to be a strategic location for France
& US in the War of Terror. Active area to locate terrorist groups & monitor Eastern Africa. In 1998, US
embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by Al Qaeda operatives.

-Somalia: Example of a failed state (country in which the government has little to no control). One of the
corners known as Somaliland (which used to be a territory from the British & Italians), declared its
independence in 1991 after the collapse of the government. Other territories have been controlled by
local warlords & piracy it´s an ongoing issue. The location of the country right next to the Suez Canal and
Indian Ocean helps to explain why piracy in this territory is one of the most problematic. Currently,
major countries such as the US and Russia stepped in to try to prevent the damage from this practice.
Note: Capital city is Mogadishu.

West Africa (Greatest area for long term-impact from the Europeans; slavery):
-Senegal: Unusual example of superimposed boundary. Capital is Dakar, located right on the coast,
which was the location of the French West Africa colonial administration. Port city, key for exploitation
& transport. This city is still very important for West Africa today (meetings, negotiations, etc).

-Gambia: The country has an elongated form along the Gambia river for being a strategic location for the
British Empire. Literally surrounded by Senegal, giving a perfect example of superimposed boundary.
Due to this situation, formed a loose confederation known as Senegambia in the 1980s. Issues because
of the inability to make compromises in order to create a strong government, so failed. Dissolved in a
pacific way.

-Guinea Bissau: Part of the Portuguese empire in the past. Late independence, around the 1970s.
Contain the Bolama archipelago, one of the very few remaining matriarchal societies on earth (woman
contain several powers such as political, religious, etc).

-Guinea: Ranks 2nd worldwide as exporter of bauxite. One of the epicenters of the biggest Ebola
Outbreak in history (2014). Extremely deadly virus (about 50% fatality rate). Situation was especially
severe because they didn’t understand about the way the virus transmitted.

-Sierra Leone: Founded by freed British Slaves (began arriving around the 1780s). Both in this country
and Liberia, these slaves established, but not without issues with the indigenous populations that were
already inhabiting the territory. Ended up triggering violent civil wars because of the poor situation of
this last group. Even children were used in here, which caused the international community to stop
buying diamonds from Liberia.

-Liberia: Founded by freed American slaves (began arriving around the 1820s). Monrovia (capital) named
after US president Monroe. After their civil war transition, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected as president
(first female in Africa’s history).
-Cote d´Ivoire: French influence, exemplified by Abidjan (the Paris of Africa). 2 nd greatest city in terms of
influence after Dakar. Longtime leader Boigny decided to move the capital to Yamoussoukro (introduced
capital), literally because it was his hometown. After his death in the 1990s, the political situation
deteriorated and ended up in a violent civil war. Predominance of cacao in this country (usually #1).

-Ghana: Also very important for cacao production. Figure of Kwame Nkrumah, very important figure for
Africa’s independence movements as a whole since he made Ghana the first sub-Saharan country to get
independence under black leadership in 1957. Tried to transition to a democratic system, but the
complicated situation of the country didn’t allow him to do so and ended up being forced out. After
that, Ghana was in a situation of instability until Jerry Rawlings came to power and actually did transition
Ghana to a democracy. Ever since, Ghana has had a series of peaceful transitions.

-Togo: Elongated country, and only one in Africa in which indigenous religions make a majority.

-Benin: A little larger than Togo. Importance of tap routes used during the imperial era for extraction of
materials and transportation. Led to economic problems and a long-lasting complicated situation.

-Nigeria: Biggest country of the area, largest of Africa in terms of population (170 million). Great ethnic
diversity, but also cause of ethnic tensions. The three major groups are the Hausa/Fulani (Muslims that
dominate the north), Yoruba (mixed Christians & Muslims, southwest), & Ibo (southeast, predominantly
Christian). Last group felt that they didn’t have a voice in the country and unsuccessfully tried to break
away (Biafran War). Some compromises made after that, like moving the capital to a more neutral
location (Abuja). Federal state now, successful transition to democracy after the death of a dictator. Still
issues, like the implementation of the Sharia Law (Islamic based, restricted freedom) & being the
“wealthiest” country in Africa thanks to their oil reserves around the Niger River Delta. Governments
accused of operating like a kleptocracy (diverting national resources for their own benefits). This country
was critical in ending the civil wars of its neighbor countries. Ebola reached the city of Lagos, but they
actually got it under control very quicky.

Equatorial Africa:
-Cameroon: Adamawa highlands located in here. Also, host one of the most spectacular mountains on
the planet; the mount Cameroon (from sea level to 13000 feet). Debundscha village located in one of its
corners, considered one the wettest places in the planet due to the orographic effect.

-Gabon: Both this country and Equatorial Guinea are major oil producers. Due to this, have the highest
per capita income in all Africa. However, are also examples of a poor distribution of wealth, in which a
few individuals possess most of it. Ongoing issue.

-Equatorial Guinea: Old “Spanish Guinea” until it got its independence in 1968.

-Central African Republic: in 1966, a military office (Bokassa) came to power after overthrowing the
previous president with a coup d’état. He was supported by France initially, but ended up being an
example of eccentric figure, who renamed the country to “Centro African Empire”, since he considered
himself to be a modern version of Napoleon. This eventually led to the French changing their minds and
backing his overthrow. Also, the Darfur refugee crisis affected this country and caused some instability.
-Congo Republic: Was once part of French equatorial Africa. Played a pivotal role in the WW2, especially
its capital, Brazzaville. France was invaded by Germany and put under the rule of a puppet government
in the city of Vichy. Free French resistance was able to use the colonies (since they decided to support
them) to regroup and plan against the Axis powers. After the war was over, the Free French decided in
the conference of Brazzaville to show their gratitude towards the colonies by giving the certain degree
of self-rule. Note: Kinshasa is located right next to Brazzaville, literally on the other side of the Congo.

-Democratic Republic of the Congo: Belgium colony, originally a private colony from the king Leopold II.
Created the Congo “Free State”. Ironically, this placed was an icon of genocide and slavery. Became an
international scandal to the point that other Europeans were forced to stop him. Transition to
independence was chaotic due to this sudden change. Great natural resources, such as copper, coltan,
rubber, gold, diamonds, palm oil, atomic resources, etc. This last were used to create the first atomic
bombs and also complicated their transition to independence. Joseph Mobutu came to power (1965),
changed the name of the country to Zaire and ruled for 32 years. Enriched himself with the wealth while
destroying the country. He was supported by the US for a while since he played a key role in the Cold
War due to his anticommunist policies. Completely lost all support after the Cold War. First Congo War
broke out, with Laurent Kabila leading the rebel opposition (backed by Rwanda and Uganda). Managed
to enter and occupy Kinshasa. He managed to take control but didn’t give anything in return to his allies
and they turned against him (Second Congo War). This time he had support from Namibia, Angola,
Zimbabwe, etc. There were so many countries involved in here that it got the name of “Africa’s first
world war”. Millions of deaths included Kabila, who got replaced by his son Joseph. This one is starting
the first arguably transition transfer of power that the country has seen.

East Africa:
-Rwanda & Burundi: Originally colonies from Germany (Ruanda-Urundi). Taken away after WW1, given
away to Belgium. They saw two major groups in the country, the Hutus (primarily engaged in farming)
and the Tutsis (who were believed to migrate from other countries as they are primarily nomads) and
decided to classify everyone in the country as one group or another. They played favorites with the
Tutsis (minority rule), which became a major issue and origin of conflicts. A plane in which the president
of Rwanda was traveling was destroyed. Kickstarted the 1994 Rwandan genocide, in which extremist
Hutus started targeting everybody and caused a lot of deaths. Backfired on them (Burundi War, 1996)
and lost control. Rwanda is the most populated country on the African Mainland, and some argued that
this overcrowding may be the cause of the conflicts.

-Uganda: Was a part of the British empire. Another horrible dictatorship figure, Idi Amin Dada. One of
the most brutal regimes Africa has seen, since he targeted everybody who showed some kind of
criticism towards him. Expatriated business owner south Asians since he blamed them of the problems
that the country was facing. Also, allowed a hijacked Israeli airliner to land at the airport of Entebbe.
Caused a pretty humiliating raid in the city. Unsuccessfully tried to invade Tanzania.

-Kenya & Tanzania: Located on the vast Savannas (tall grassland areas with scattered trees). Depict some
of the largest populations on the planet of mammalian fauna. Several endangered species habiting here
as well, threatened due to illegal activities such as poaching. Due to having these species, tourism is very
important for their economy. Possession of natural, protected habitats for them (natural parks), such as
the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Also hosts the Mount Kilimanjaro & the Great Rift Valley.

Southern Africa:
-Angola: Portuguese imperialism. One of the greatest colonies of this empire with Mozambique.
“Relaxed situation until neighbor countries started to get independence. War for independence with
Portugal. Got it in the 1970s, but also ended up getting into the Cold War. One of the biggest oil
producers, but their situation is a little. They own the exclave of Cabinda, but Cabinda is s territory that
wants to be considered as a country on their own rather than a part of Angola.

-Zambia: Very important country for reserves of copper and cobalt (copper belt), but unfortunately, they
depend too much on this resources, making them a monoeconomic state. Landlocked country wants to
realign northeast. Chinese stepped in and helped fund the TAZARA Railway, which connected Zambian
city of Mposhi to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. First great international Chinese investment,
although the railway in the present is not as important as it used to.

-Malawi: Host the lake Malawi, which host the greatest biodiversity of fish of any lake of the planet (like
the cichlid).

-Mozambique: Part of Portuguese empire. As Angola, lengthy civil war for independence & ended up
being plunged into the Cold War right after. Unlike Angola though, they don’t have oil reserves to
rebuild their economy, and used to be the poorest country in the world. Major area for tropical cyclone
activity, which makes their economical recovery even more complicated.

-Zimbabwe: Was a British Colony, known in the past as Southern Rhodesia. Sizable British Colonist
population. Second colony in history to rebel against the English empire, only after the US. Ended up in a
war between the white minority of the country and the empire who wanted to settle a democratic
regime. The last ones one, and Zimbabwe got independence. Robert Mugabe was the first leader. High
hopes, but ultimately the regime became less democratic. Some of his reforms destroyed the country’s
economy since he made white farmers leave the country (squatting). Exports dried up and caused
hyperinflation as a consequence (400000-1000000%). Also problems with epidemics such as the cholera.

-Botswana: One of the true success stories of the continent. One of the most stable and well managed
country of Africa. Usually ranks number one as diamond producers. This industry is managed by the
company Debswana, partially owned by the country’s government, and partially by the company
DeBeers. Africa’s best credit rating. Their stable situation helped to efficiently control HIV/AIDS
consequences thanks to their great anti-retroviral drug program.

-South Africa: One of the best economies in Africa & arguably the only one that is industrialized, partially
due to being located in a great area for resource extraction (gold, diamonds, etc). Actually, originally this
caused a conflict in the area during the imperialist era between the Boers (original Dutch settlers), and
the English. Used to be number one producer of gold (importance of Witwatersrand). Similar situation
when a great area for diamond extraction was discovered on Kimberley. Cecil Rhodes was the founder
of DeBeers, company which used to control most of the diamond supply. The fact that they controlled
up to 90% of the supply triggered the cost of obtaining diamonds to increase exponentially. Country got
independence in 1910 (under minority white rule). In the 40s when the first independence movements
started in Africa, they decided to implement a very racist program to maintain control, known as the
apartheid. They made everyone that wasn’t white to live in separate, “special”, areas. Deteriorated
international relationship, so they had to start dismantling in the 90s. Nelson Mandela elected as
president in 1994, first black president. He was in power for a short period but was key for the transition
of the country. South Africa is an example of divided capital; several cities share its function. These are
Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial). Due to a compromise
between the 3 colonies that unified to create the Union of South Africa (Cape Colony, Orange Free State
& Transvaal).

-Lesotho: Makes south Africa a perforated state since Lesotho is completely surrounded by it.

-eSwatini: Absolute monarchy under King Mswati III, who has done a very bad job at controlling the
HIV/AIDS pandemic.

-Namibia: Originally part of the German Southwest Africa. As a League of Nations mandate, was given to
south Africa after WW1. After WW2, United Nations replaced League of Nations, and wanted to replace
the mandates with Trusteeships and give Namibia independence. South Africa wanted to annex the
country, so they refused, and a conflict started. Namibia finally got independence in the 90s after
apartheid was dissolved. The Benguela current is located in their coast, a cold-water current. This
territory is known as the skeleton coast because whalers would deposit whale carcasses in here.

-Madagascar: Unique biodiversity. 4th largest island of the planet, so it retains a lot of species from
migration. Plenty of different environments such as tropical rainforests. Some species are in danger of
extinction due to tropical deforestation.

Lew Book Questions:

1. Why is Australia considered a continent rather than an island? Because it is culturally different from the
surrounding regions.
2. What does the book describe as a major limitation on Australia’s population? The continent’s low carrying
capacity.
3. What Aboriginal sacred site, described as the world’s most famous monolith, is located in the Australian Outback? Ayers
rock.
4. Where is most of Australia’s population concentrated? On the southeast coast
5. Which of New Zealand’s main islands (North or South) is the active volcanism especially
evident with the volcanoes and thermal areas found there? North.
6. Two-thirds of the species of what type of mammals are found in Australia and New
Zealand? How do these mammals differ from placental mammals? Marsupial
7. How are bushfires an essential element of the environmental health of most of
Australia’s ecological communities? Eliminatingweeds and other undesired elements.
8. Aborigines make up approximately what percent of Australia’s population today? 1 percent.
9. How did the American Revolution have an impact on the settlement of Australia? Because British prisoners
started being sent to Australia rather than the US.
10. Competition between what two Australian cities led to the creation of the new
Australian capital of Canberra? Sydney and Melbourne.
11. What controversial policy did Australia receive considerable criticism for after World
War II? What impact did this policy have on Australia’s population makeup? White-preferred population policy.
12. What crop’s capacity to grow in climates in New Zealand primarily determined
settlement patterns of the Maori there? Kumara/Sweet potato.
13. What city in New Zealand is the largest Polynesian city in the world, and often
promotes this as a feature of tourism? Auckland.
14. What river basin accounts for over 40 percent of Australia’s gross value of agricultural
production, with approximately 70 percent of all water used for agriculture in Australia
being used by irrigation in the river basin? Murray-Darling basin.
15. TRUE OR FALSE: In Australia, no treaties were ever signed between the indigenous
peoples and the invading colonial powers. True.
16. What are the differences between the “high islands” and the “low islands” in the South
High islands usually have a tall volcanic mountain in the center, more rainfall and
Pacific?
population.
17. In what region of the Pacific islands are New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu,
and Fiji included? Melanesia.
18. The U.S. state of Hawaii is part of which subregion of the Pacific? Polynesia.
19. Why do Samoan communities often select single females to migrate as laborers to
places like New Zealand? Because they regarded them as more likely to remit their wages.
20. What island group has seen political unrest and interethnic violence between natives
and ethnic Chinese people, along with natural disasters, almost completely curtailing
tourism there, with the country appearing on warning lists throughout the world? Fijian Indian Community.
21. What was responsible for destroying most of the island of Nauru in the 20th century? Phosphate mining.
22. What percentage of the world’s fresh water is contained in the ice that covers
Antarctica? 70%.
23. What is the Antarctic Convergence? Transition area between icy waters and warmer waters.
24. What term refers to species that are only found in a particular place, like the many
species that are only found in Antarctica? Endemic.
25. What is the difference between the geographic South Pole and the geomagnetic South
Pole? Geographical is the center of earth’s rotational axis, geomagnetic is the point where
compasses align.
26. What treaty codified the protection of Antarctica’s resources, preserving them for
scientific use, as well as not allowing military activities (except for scientific and peaceful
purposes) in Antarctica? Antarctic Treaty.
27. What is the deepest spot on the planet? In what ocean is it located? Challenger Deep (Mariana Trench).
28. What is the dominant feature of the Southern Ocean? How does this feature make
travel to Antarctica challenging? Antarctic Circumpolar current, very violent, cold, high winds.
29. How does lack of ownership of the open seas impact overfishing? What type of species
have experienced the greatest loss of fish since 1900? There is approximately one sixth of the fish now.
Tuna and cod
30. What areas of the world tend to have the worst concentrations of plastics in the
oceans? What have accumulations of plastics fragments created in remote areas of the
Pacific and Atlantic Oceans? Urban settlements. Massive garbage patches.