Selina Concise Solutions for ICSE Class 7 Geography Chapter 16 Australia Location Area Political and Physical Features

DISCUSS

Question : Why are the Eastern Highlands called the Great Dividing Range ?
Answer:
The Eastern Highlands are also called the Great Dividing Range because the mountains form the main watershed of Australia. A number of Australia’s principal rivers originate here. The Snowy River flows down the steep eastern slope while the Darling, Lachlan, and Murrumbidgee Rivers flow down the western slope and join the Murray River.
These mountains create a physical wall that determines where water flows across the continent. It separates the wet eastern coast from the drier inland areas.
Teacher's Tip: Think of it as a "Great Wall of Water" that decides which way the rivers run.
Exam Tip: Always mention the word "watershed" to describe how it splits the river flow.

THINK AND ANSWER

Question : Why can’t Australia’s exotic flora and fauna be found anywhere else in the world ?
Answer:
Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing ancient rock formations and pristine rain forests. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and has the lowest population density per square kilometer. Australia has 16 world heritage listed properties with its historic townships, bustling cities, vivid landscapes and exotic flora and fauna all adding to its unique appeal. Most of Australia’s exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world and the lifestyle is one second to none.
Australia has been an isolated island for millions of years, allowing its wildlife to evolve separately. This isolation is why unique animals like kangaroos and koalas only live there.
Teacher's Tip: Australia is like a giant "Island Time Capsule" for unique plants and animals.
Exam Tip: Use the term "isolated island continent" to explain why the species are unique.

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks
Australia is located between latitudes 10°S and 40°S and , between longitudes 114°E and 154°E. So, this Island continent lies wholly in the Southern hemisphere. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world but is the smallest continent. The name Australia comes from the Latin word ‘Australis’ meaning Southern. The official name is the Commonwealth of Australia. Some other popular names are the ‘Land of Migrants’ and the ‘Island Continent’.
This island continent is unique because it is both a country and a continent at the same time. Its location in the Southern Hemisphere is why it is often called the "Land Down Under."
Teacher's Tip: Australia = Smallest Continent + 6th Largest Country.
Exam Tip: Remember the specific degrees of latitude (10°S and 40°S) to describe its position correctly.

B. Choose the correct answer

Question 1: The Great Dividing Range is so called because:
1. it divides Australia into two halves
2. it is very high
3. it acts as a watershed between the rivers flowing to the east and those flowing westwards
Answer:
3. it acts as a watershed between the rivers flowing to the east and those flowing westwards
A watershed acts like the peak of a roof where rain falls and runs down either side. One side goes to the ocean, while the other goes inland.
Teacher's Tip: A watershed is like a "Mountain Divider" for rain.
Exam Tip: Always look for the option that describes the direction of river flow.

Question 2: The Lake Eyre Basin is called an area of inland drainage because :
1. the area keeps changing
2. the rivers flowing in this area have no outlet to the sea
3. it is a low-lying lake
Answer:
2. the rivers flowing in this area have no outlet to the sea
Inland drainage means the water gets trapped in the middle of the land rather than reaching the sea. The water usually evaporates or sinks into the ground in these dry basins.
Teacher's Tip: Think of inland drainage as a "Dead End" for rivers.
Exam Tip: Link "Inland Drainage" to "Lake Eyre" as the classic example.

C. Answer the following questions in brief

Question 1: Name the water bodies that surround Australia.
Answer:
Australia lies between the Indian Ocean in the west and the South Pacific Ocean in the east.
Being surrounded by vast oceans keeps Australia isolated from other continents. This isolation affects its climate, trade routes, and unique nature.
Teacher's Tip: I.O. in the West, S.P. in the East - just remember Indian and South Pacific!
Exam Tip: Be specific and name both the Indian and South Pacific Oceans.

Question 2: Identify and name the important line of latitude that passes through the middle of Australia.
Answer:
The tropic of Capricorn or 23 1/2°S latitude passes through the middle of Australia.
This line of latitude means that a large part of Australia lies within the tropical and subtropical zones. It is the reason why much of northern and central Australia is quite hot.
Teacher's Tip: Capricorn is in the South, Cancer is in the North - Australia is in the South!
Exam Tip: Always write the full name "Tropic of Capricorn" and the degree 23 1/2°S.

Question 3: Why are the Eastern Highlands also called the Great Dividing Range?
Answer:
The Eastern Highlands are called the Great dividing range because the mountains here form the main watershed of Australia. A number of Australia’s principal rivers originate here.
The range is "Great" because it stretches for thousands of kilometers and "Dividing" because it splits the water flow. It is the most significant highland feature in all of Australia.
Teacher's Tip: Dividing = Splitting water flow.
Exam Tip: Mention that it forms the "main watershed" for full marks.

Question 4: What is an ‘aquifer’?
Answer:
A porous layer of rock capable of storing water and allowing its passage is called aquifer.
Aquifers are like giant underground sponges made of rock that soak up and store rainwater. This water can be reached by drilling wells, which is very helpful in dry regions.
Teacher's Tip: Think of an Aquifer as an "Underground Water Tank."
Exam Tip: Define it clearly as a "porous layer" to show you understand the rock type.

Question 5: What is meant by ‘inland drainage’? Give an example.
Answer:
Inland drainage is that drainage in which the rivers do not reach an ocean or sea and drain in a lake or an ‘inland’ sea, e.g. Lake Eyre.
In these systems, the river water usually flows into a large central lake where it eventually dries up. Lake Eyre is the most famous example because it is the lowest point in Australia.
Teacher's Tip: Inland means "Inside the Land."
Exam Tip: Use Lake Eyre as your go-to example whenever explaining this term.

Question 6: Which breed of sheep is mainly reared in Australia ?
Answer:
The merino breed of sheep, which produces the best fleece for wool, is mainly reared in Australia.
Merino sheep are prized because their wool is very soft, fine, and strong. This breed helped Australia become one of the world's leading exporters of high-quality wool.
Teacher's Tip: Merino = Most Wool.
Exam Tip: Spell "Merino" correctly, as it is a specific technical term.

Question 7: Identify the four main sheep-rearing states of Australia.
Answer:
The main sheep-rearing states are New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia.
These four states have the perfect combination of grasslands and temperate climates for sheep to thrive. Most of these areas are located in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the country.
Teacher's Tip: Most states in the South and East are for sheep!
Exam Tip: Make a list of the four states clearly to show you know them all.

D. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs

Question 1: Mention two differences between the rivers that flow down the western and eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range.
Answer:
The Great Dividing range in the east divides the flow of rivers in the region. The rivers that flow down the eastern slopes’ are short and perennial and drain into Pacific Ocean. The rivers that flow down the western slopes are longer and flow to central lowlands and have inland drainage.
Eastern rivers are more reliable for farming because they have water all year round. Western rivers are often longer but struggle with drought as they flow toward the dry interior.
Teacher's Tip: East = Short and Wet; West = Long and Dry.
Exam Tip: Contrast the two types using words like "short vs. long" and "perennial vs. inland drainage."

Question 2: Explain an artesian basin and an artesian well.
Answer:
Artersian basin is a layer of porous or pervious rock lies between two layers of impervious rocks and acts as a reservoir. The rain water seeps underground and the rock becomes capable of holding water and allowing it to pass through it called aquifer. A well is bored into the aquifer through which water rises to the surface by natural pressure is called artesian well.
These basins are like "sandwiches" of rock where the middle layer is full of water. Because the water is squeezed between hard rocks, it shoots up like a fountain when a hole is drilled.
Teacher's Tip: Natural pressure does the pumping for you in an artesian well!
Exam Tip: Explain that an artesian well works by "natural pressure" to get the extra mark.

Question 3: Why is most of the underground water not suitable for human consumption agriculture?
Answer:
Most of the underground water is not suitable for irrigation and human consumption as the water is salty and is present in the artesian basin of Australia.
High salt content can kill crops and is unhealthy for humans to drink without expensive treatment. However, some of this salty water can still be used for certain types of livestock like sheep.
Teacher's Tip: Saltwater is not for drinking or farming!
Exam Tip: Use the term "salinity" to describe the saltiness of the water.

Question 4: How are corals formed?
Answer:
Corals are a hard substance composed of skeleton of tiny marine creatures called coral polyps. When corals die their hard skeletons remain fixed in place. Since these polyps live in colonies, when they die their large accumulation of skeletons form coral reefs which are circular or ridge-like.
These tiny polyps extract calcium from the seawater to build their hard skeletons. Over thousands of years, billions of these skeletons stack up to create the massive reefs we see today.
Teacher's Tip: Polyps are the "Architects" of the sea.
Exam Tip: Mention that corals live in "colonies" to describe their social structure.

Question 5: Write three interesting points about the Great Barrier Reef.
Answer:
Some Important points about the Great Barrier Reef are:
1. The Great Barrier Reef is a 2,300 km long underwater ridge-like feature off the north-east coast of Australia at distance varying from 16 to 240 km from the coastline.
2. It is composed of millions and millions of shells of tiny marine creatures called coral polyps.
3. The Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s biggest tourist attraction. The warm, shallow, salty sea between the reef and the shore is the home of tropical fish of bright colours, and crustaceans that abound in this underwater paradise.
This reef is so large that it consists of thousands of individual reefs and islands. It acts as a natural breakwater, protecting the coastline from heavy ocean waves.
Teacher's Tip: It's the world's biggest "Living Structure."
Exam Tip: Remember the length is 2,300 km - that's a key number to memorize.

E. Map work
On the outline map of Australia given here, neatly mark and label the following :
1. the capital cities of the states
2. The narrow stretch of water that separates Tasmania from Australia
3. The longest perennial river of Australia
4. The ocean that lies west of Australia
5. A ridge-like feature made up of coral
6. write SHEEP FARMING in an appropriate place on the map where it is practised.
Answer:
(i) State - Capital
Western Australia - Perth
Northern Territory - Darwin
Queensland - Brisbane
New South Wales - Sydney
Victoria - Melbourne
South Australia - Adelaide
Australian Capital Territory - Canberra
Tasmania - Hobart
(ii) Bass Strait
(iii) River Murray Darling
(iv) Indian Ocean
(v) Great Barrier Reef
(vi) Western Australia, Victoria
Learning the capitals helps us understand where most Australians live, which is mainly on the coast. The states and territories show how the country is divided for government.
Teacher's Tip: Match the State with the City: Perth is West, Darwin is North!
Exam Tip: Ensure you can locate "Bass Strait" between the mainland and Tasmania on a map.

F. Picture Study

This is a photograph of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Why do you think this reef is Australia’s biggest tourist attraction.
Answer:
because its home for bright coloured tropical fishes and crustaceans that abound in this underwater paradise.
The vibrant colors and diverse life make it a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving. People come from all over the world to see this unique ecosystem before it is damaged by climate change.
Teacher's Tip: Divers love the reef for its "Underwater Colors."
Exam Tip: Connect "Tourist attraction" to "Biodiversity" (many types of fish and coral).

LET’S DO SOMETHING

Question 1: On an outline map of Australia, mark the boundaries of South Wales-Victoria border different from the other borders ? Find out why.
Answer:
The boundaries of all the states except South-wales and Victoria border are same divided with a straight line.
The reason behind the border not being straight is that the majority of the border between Victoria and New South Wales is formed by the River Murray (Interestingly the river is actually in New South Wales entirely, instead of the border being right through the centre of the river). It doesn’t form the border between South Australia and Vic/NSW or any of the other states as it either doesn’t run through the states or, like in South Australia, cuts right through the initial territory designated for the free colony. As they didn’t want to form another state they just kept SA as it was and had the river running through it.
But essentially, the border is formed by the Murray, which, as a river, naturally isn’t a straight line.
Most borders were drawn as straight lines on a map by officials, but the Murray River creates a natural, winding border. This shows how geography often dictates political boundaries.
Teacher's Tip: Straight lines are man-made; winding lines are nature-made (Rivers).
Exam Tip: Identify the "Murray River" as the reason for the irregular border.

Question 2: Collect information about the Great Barrier Reef from encyclopaedias or the Internet and write a diary describing all you have learnt about it in your scrapbook.
Answer:
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and pulling away from it, and viewing it from a greater distance, you can understand why. It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space.
Where Is The Great Barrier Reef ?
The marine park stretches over 3000km (1800 miles) almost parallel to the Queensland coast, from near the southern coastal town of Bundaberg, up past the northern tip of Cape York.
The reef, between 15 kilometres and 150 kilometres off shore and around 65 Km wide in some parts, is a gathering of brilliant, vivid coral providing divers with the most spectacular underwater experience imaginable.
A closer encounter with the Great Barrier Reefs impressive coral gardens reveals many astounding underwater attractions including the world’s largest collection of corals (in fact, more than 400 different kinds of coral), coral sponges, molluscs, rays, dolphins, over 1500 species of tropical fish, more than 200 types of birds, around 20 types of reptiles including sea turtles and giant clams over 120 years old.
What Is The Great Barrier Reef ?
The reef is a breeding area for humpback whales, migrating from the Antarctic and is also the habitat of a few endangered species including the Dugong (Sea Cow) and large Green Sea Turtle. In recognition of its significance, UNESCO listed the Great Barrier Reef as a World Heritage Site in 1981.
Because of its natural beauty, both below and above the water’s surface, the reef has become one of the worlds most sought after tourist destinations.
In 2006 there were approximately 820 operators and 1500 vessels and aircraft permitted to operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park providing ease of access for all to experience the Great Barrier Reef and learn first hand about its natural delights and World Heritage values.
One of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches.Because of its natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef has become one of the worlds most sought after tourist destinations. A visitor to the Great Barrier Reef can enj oy many experiences including snorkelling, scuba diving, aircraft or helicopter tours, bare boats (self-sail), glass-bottomed boat viewing, semi submersibles and educational trips, cruise ship tours, whale watching and swimming with dolphins.
A Natural Wonder :
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and pulling away from it, and viewing it from a greater distance, you can understand why. It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space.
The reef is a breeding area for humpback whales, migrating from the Antarctic and is also the habitat of a few endangered species including the Dugong (Sea Cow) and large Green Sea Turtle. In recognition of its significance, UNESCO listed the Great Barrier Reef as a World Heritage Site in 1981.
Because of its natural beauty, both below and above the water’s surface, the reef has become one of the worlds most sought after tourist destinations. In 2006 there were approximately 820 operators and 1500 vessels and aircraft permitted to operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park providing ease of access for all to experience the Great Barrier Reef and learn first hand about its natural delights and World Heritage values.
The reef is a vital nursery for many ocean species that travel across the Pacific. Being a UNESCO site means it is protected internationally because it is important to all of humanity.
Teacher's Tip: Visible from Space = Really Big!
Exam Tip: Remember the year it was listed as a World Heritage Site (1981).