Changes

Weather extremes are common in Australia with temperatures sometimes measured into the high 40s Celsius (45 degrees Celsius = 113 degrees Fahrenheit).  The city of Darwin was destroyed by Cyclone Tracey in 1974 and bushfires often ravage the southern states - one of the worst occurring on Ash Wednesday in 1983 when over 2000 homes were destroyed and over 70 people lost their lives in Victoria and South Australia.

Weather extremes are common in Australia with temperatures sometimes measured into the high 40s Celsius (45 degrees Celsius = 113 degrees Fahrenheit).  The city of Darwin was destroyed by Cyclone Tracey in 1974 and bushfires often ravage the southern states - one of the worst occurring on Ash Wednesday in 1983 when over 2000 homes were destroyed and over 70 people lost their lives in Victoria and South Australia.

Australia is noted for its unique biodiversity. Many animals are found only in Australia, the most well known examples are the group of marsupials (Kangaroos, Wombats, Wallabies and Koalas)and the Platypus. Examples of plants that are native to Australia are the banksia, yellow wattle and gum tree.   

Australia is noted for its unique biodiversity. Many animals are found only in Australia, the most well known examples are the group of marsupials ([[Kangaroos]], [[Wombats]], [[Wallabies]] and [[Koalas]])and the [[Platypus]]. Examples of plants that are native to Australia are the [[banksia]], [[yellow wattle]] and [[gum tree]].   

Studies (2) indicate that Australia's unique wildlife is the result of Australia becoming an island, cutting itself off from the Asian landbridge between 40 000 -250 000 years ago (though there is a difference of opinion as to when Australia became an island).

Studies (2) indicate that Australia's unique wildlife is the result of Australia becoming an island, cutting itself off from the Asian landbridge between 40 000 -250 000 years ago (though there is a difference of opinion as to when Australia became an island).