Places
Australia's unusual fauna and flora is due to the continent having been isolated for millions of years. Continental drift tore Australia away from Africa and Antarctica and sent it on a 45 million year journey northwards. The original mammal passengers on this journey were the marsupials and egg layers (the monotremes). About 15 million years ago, as Australia drifted closer to Asia, rodents floated and bats flew over the sea to become the first placental mammal colonists. The journey north combined with global cooling to dry Australia out and give rise to its characteristic drought and fire-resistant plants.
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Friendly fire
A dramatic solution to the problem of regenerating in the dark of a mature forest.
A dramatic solution to the problem of regenerating in the dark of a mature forest.
Native nightmares
Foreign species have caused havoc for Australia's native wildlife.
Foreign species have caused havoc for Australia's native wildlife.
Gum blaze
Australia's eucalyptus trees have been bursting into flame for millennia.
Australia's eucalyptus trees have been bursting into flame for millennia.
Boom and bust
Their own worst enemies, rabbits graze Australia's grasslands bare.
Their own worst enemies, rabbits graze Australia's grasslands bare.
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