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| The biodiversity of Australia is truly unique and
extensive. Over one million species live within the boundaries
of this island continent. This represents 7% of the world species
diversity and most are found nowhere else on our planet. This
megadiversity is the result of Australia's evolutionary isolation
and its diversity of environments. |
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| Most of the earth's major biomes are
represented here. They range from tropical rainforests to deserts
and include the earth's largest coral reef biome, the Great
Barrier Reef. |
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We will visit three of Australia's unique biomes. At Lizard
Island we will explore a coral reef ecosystem. Here we will
snorkel and see many species of colorful reef fish, starfish,
sea urchins, sea anemones, sponges etc. The damaging effects
of pollution on the coral reef ecosystem will also be discussed.
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At Daintree we will explore a unique rainforest
ecosystem. Because of the rarety of the species found here,
Daintree has been designated a World Heritage Site. Here we
will see many endemic plant species, fruit bats, platypuses,
squirrel gliders, pythons, etc.
Finally we will visit Undara in Queensland's 186,000 sq. km
Gulf Savannah Region. Here we will see primary savannah grassland,
including eucalyptus groves, kangaroos, koalas, termites and
more. We will also learn more about the aboriginal culture in
this region. |
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Our visits to these ecosystems will be integrated into an overall
understanding of the evolution and biodiversity of Australia's
biomes. |
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This page was last updated on November 6, 2000.
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