2.1.1- Characteristics of outdoor environments
Previously we have looked at the different environmental biomes present in Victoria. This section looks more specifically at the factors and characteristics that lead specific environments to occur. This is occurs in relation to the interaction of three factors: geology, climate and position and aspect.
Australia accounts for 5% of the Earth's land mass. It is the flattest and driest continent in the world and has a diverse range of climatic zones, ranging from deserts and tropical forests to open grasslands and snow-covered mountains. The environment has been subjected to long periods of erosion, inundation, deposition and glacial action, all helping result in the range of landforms we experience today. All of these things help contribute to Australia being one of the most biologically diverse countries on Earth.
Australia accounts for 5% of the Earth's land mass. It is the flattest and driest continent in the world and has a diverse range of climatic zones, ranging from deserts and tropical forests to open grasslands and snow-covered mountains. The environment has been subjected to long periods of erosion, inundation, deposition and glacial action, all helping result in the range of landforms we experience today. All of these things help contribute to Australia being one of the most biologically diverse countries on Earth.
Victoria's various outdoor environments (biomes) support a high level of biodiversity. This includes at least 3140 species of vascular plant, 900 lichens, 750 mosses, 111 mammals, 447 birds, 46 freshwater and 600 marine fish, 133 reptiles, 33 amphibians and countless invertebrates, fungi and algae.
|