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