Australian Outback Research Paper

Australia is the largest island in the world and is the only country to occupy an entire island. Australia is also the smallest continent. When people think of Australia, they think about kangaroos and the outback (Lepthien 7). However, there is much more to learn about this unique country, including information about its geography, climate, government, people, plants, and animals. Australia is home to many fascinating geological features that can be found nowhere else in the world. In the Australian outback, for instance, you could visit Uluru or Kata Tjuta. Uluru, or Ayer’s Rock, is one of the largest rocks in the world. It measures 1,132 feet high, 1.5 miles long, and 1 mile wide. The average person would take two days to walk around

In the outback, the only plants that can survive are those that can store water for extended periods of time, or those that can tap water from deep under the surface. One such plant would be the eucalyptus tree. The poor soil and drought-like conditions of the outback are the perfect habitat for the eucalyptus tree. There are over 600 species of eucalyptus trees in Australia. A single eucalyptus tree can support six different types of organisms; specifically, the koala, termites, kookaburras, cockatoos, sugar gliders, and butterflies. Eucalyptus trees also produce oils, firewood, and paper to the Australian economy (Turner 22). There are also many types of other plants in the outback that will lie dormant until it rains, then come to life until the land dries up again (Lepthien 56).

The coasts of Australia are mostly subtropical and tropical rain forests (Turner 21). Australia’s coast is known for their many species of vibrant wildflowers, especially Western Australia (Lepthien 55). Over 1,200 species of orchids call Australia home. Over 80% of these 1,200 species are unique to Australia (Turner 21). The coast also is home to many types of shrubbery and grasses (World Book 912). The Australian Islands are also, mostly a rain forest, specifically