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ICSE Class 7 Geography Question 2 of 15

Australia — Location, Political Divisions and Physical Features — Question 2

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Question 3

Explain the following terms.

(a) Inland drainage

(b) Paddock

(c) Sheep stations

(d) Coral polyps

Answer

(a) Inland drainage — A river system in which the rivers are not able to reach the sea or ocean and drain into some shallow salt lake, is called inland drainage.

(b) Paddock — A sheep station is divided into a number of fields called Paddocks.

(c) Sheep stations — A sheep station is a large property in Australia or New Zealand, whose main activity is raising of sheep for their wool and/or meat.

(d) Coral polyps — Tiny sea creatures living in shallow, warm and salty waters of the sea that secrete calcium carbonate is called coral polyp.

ICSE Class VII Geography — Chapter 6: Study of Continents: Australia

Bright Tutorials | ICSE Class VII | Geography | Chapter 6

Australia — The Island Continent

Australia is the smallest continent (7.69 million sq km) and the only country that is also a continent. Called the "Island Continent," it lies entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. The Tropic of Capricorn passes through its middle. Its capital is Canberra (not Sydney), and it is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Australia's seasons are reversed compared to India.

Three Physical Divisions and the Great Barrier Reef

Australia has three divisions: the Western Plateau (flat, desert, 2/3 of area, contains Uluru), Central Lowlands (Lake Eyre, Great Artesian Basin), and Eastern Highlands (Great Dividing Range, Mt. Kosciuszko 2,228 m). The Great Barrier Reef off the NE coast is the world's largest coral reef system (2,300 km), home to 1,500+ fish species. The Murray-Darling river system is the most important for irrigation.

Unique Wildlife of Australia

Australia's wildlife is unique because the continent separated from other landmasses about 45 million years ago, allowing animals to evolve in isolation. Marsupials (carry young in pouches) include kangaroo, koala, wombat, and Tasmanian devil. Monotremes (egg-laying mammals) include the platypus and echidna. Notable birds include the emu (second largest bird) and kookaburra (laughing call).

Key Takeaways for ICSE Class VII Students

  • Capital is CANBERRA, not Sydney
  • Koalas are marsupials, NOT bears
  • Know the three physical divisions and key features of each
  • Explain WHY wildlife is unique — continental drift and isolation
  • Great Dividing Range = mountains; Great Barrier Reef = coral (do not confuse)