Selina Textbook Solutions: Australia Location, Area, Political & Physical Features | Geography Class 7 ICSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Australia:Location,Area, Political & Physical Features 
DISCUSS 
Why are the Eastern Highlands called the Great Dividing Range ? 
Answer: 
The Eastern Highlands are also called the Great Dividing Range because the 
mountains form the main watershed of Australia. A number of Australia’s principal rivers 
originate here. The Snowy River flows down the steep eastern slope while the Darling, 
Lachlan, and Murrumbidgee Rivers flow down the western slope and join the Murray 
River. 
THINK AND ANSWER 
Why can’t Australia’s exotic flora and fauna be found anyw here else in the world ? 
Answer: 
Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing 
ancient rock formations and pristine rain forests. Australia is the sixth largest country in 
the world and has the lowest population density per square kilometer. Australia has 16 
world heritage listed properties with its historic townships, bustling cities, vivid 
landscapes and exotic flora and fauna all adding to its unique appeal. Most of 
Australia’s exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world and the 
lifestyle is one second to none. 
EXERCISES 
A. Fill in the blanks 
Australia is located between latitudes 10°S and 40°S and , between longitudes 114°E 
and 154°E. So, this Island continent lies wholly in the Southern hemisphere. Australia is 
the sixth largest country in the world but is the smallest continent. The name Australia 
comes from the Latin word ‘Australis’ meaning Southern. The official name is the 
Commonwealth of Australia. Some other popular names are the ‘Land of Migrants’ and 
the ‘Island Continent’. 
B. Choose the correct answer 
1. The Great Dividing Range is so called because: 
1. it divides Australia into two halves 
2. it is very high 
Page 2


Australia:Location,Area, Political & Physical Features 
DISCUSS 
Why are the Eastern Highlands called the Great Dividing Range ? 
Answer: 
The Eastern Highlands are also called the Great Dividing Range because the 
mountains form the main watershed of Australia. A number of Australia’s principal rivers 
originate here. The Snowy River flows down the steep eastern slope while the Darling, 
Lachlan, and Murrumbidgee Rivers flow down the western slope and join the Murray 
River. 
THINK AND ANSWER 
Why can’t Australia’s exotic flora and fauna be found anyw here else in the world ? 
Answer: 
Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing 
ancient rock formations and pristine rain forests. Australia is the sixth largest country in 
the world and has the lowest population density per square kilometer. Australia has 16 
world heritage listed properties with its historic townships, bustling cities, vivid 
landscapes and exotic flora and fauna all adding to its unique appeal. Most of 
Australia’s exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world and the 
lifestyle is one second to none. 
EXERCISES 
A. Fill in the blanks 
Australia is located between latitudes 10°S and 40°S and , between longitudes 114°E 
and 154°E. So, this Island continent lies wholly in the Southern hemisphere. Australia is 
the sixth largest country in the world but is the smallest continent. The name Australia 
comes from the Latin word ‘Australis’ meaning Southern. The official name is the 
Commonwealth of Australia. Some other popular names are the ‘Land of Migrants’ and 
the ‘Island Continent’. 
B. Choose the correct answer 
1. The Great Dividing Range is so called because: 
1. it divides Australia into two halves 
2. it is very high 
3. it acts as a watershed between the rivers flowing to the east and those 
flowing westwards 
2. The Lake Eyre Basin is called an area of inland drainage because : 
1. the area keeps changing 
2. the rivers flowing in this area have no outlet to the sea 
3. it is a low-lying lake 
C. Answer the following questions in brief 
Question 1. 
Name the water bodies that surround Australia. 
Answer: 
Australia lies between the Indian Ocean in the west and the_ South Pacific Ocean in the 
east. 
Question 2. 
Identify and name the important line of latitude that passes through the middle of 
Australia. 
Answer: 
The tropic ofCapricom or 231/2 °S latitude passes through the middle of Australia. 
Question 3. 
Why are the Eastern Highlands also called the Great Dividing Range? 
Answer: 
The Eastern Highlands are called the Great dividing range because the mountains here 
form the main watershed of Australia. A number of Australia’s principal rivers originate 
here. 
Question 4. 
What is an ‘aquifer’? 
Answer: 
A porous layer of rock capable of storing water and allowing its passage is called 
aquifer. 
Question 5. 
What is meant by ‘inland drainage’? Give an example. 
Answer: 
Inland drainage is that drainage in which the rivers do not reach an ocean or sea and 
drain in a lake or an ‘inland’ sea, e.g. Lake Eyre. 
 
Page 3


Australia:Location,Area, Political & Physical Features 
DISCUSS 
Why are the Eastern Highlands called the Great Dividing Range ? 
Answer: 
The Eastern Highlands are also called the Great Dividing Range because the 
mountains form the main watershed of Australia. A number of Australia’s principal rivers 
originate here. The Snowy River flows down the steep eastern slope while the Darling, 
Lachlan, and Murrumbidgee Rivers flow down the western slope and join the Murray 
River. 
THINK AND ANSWER 
Why can’t Australia’s exotic flora and fauna be found anyw here else in the world ? 
Answer: 
Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing 
ancient rock formations and pristine rain forests. Australia is the sixth largest country in 
the world and has the lowest population density per square kilometer. Australia has 16 
world heritage listed properties with its historic townships, bustling cities, vivid 
landscapes and exotic flora and fauna all adding to its unique appeal. Most of 
Australia’s exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world and the 
lifestyle is one second to none. 
EXERCISES 
A. Fill in the blanks 
Australia is located between latitudes 10°S and 40°S and , between longitudes 114°E 
and 154°E. So, this Island continent lies wholly in the Southern hemisphere. Australia is 
the sixth largest country in the world but is the smallest continent. The name Australia 
comes from the Latin word ‘Australis’ meaning Southern. The official name is the 
Commonwealth of Australia. Some other popular names are the ‘Land of Migrants’ and 
the ‘Island Continent’. 
B. Choose the correct answer 
1. The Great Dividing Range is so called because: 
1. it divides Australia into two halves 
2. it is very high 
3. it acts as a watershed between the rivers flowing to the east and those 
flowing westwards 
2. The Lake Eyre Basin is called an area of inland drainage because : 
1. the area keeps changing 
2. the rivers flowing in this area have no outlet to the sea 
3. it is a low-lying lake 
C. Answer the following questions in brief 
Question 1. 
Name the water bodies that surround Australia. 
Answer: 
Australia lies between the Indian Ocean in the west and the_ South Pacific Ocean in the 
east. 
Question 2. 
Identify and name the important line of latitude that passes through the middle of 
Australia. 
Answer: 
The tropic ofCapricom or 231/2 °S latitude passes through the middle of Australia. 
Question 3. 
Why are the Eastern Highlands also called the Great Dividing Range? 
Answer: 
The Eastern Highlands are called the Great dividing range because the mountains here 
form the main watershed of Australia. A number of Australia’s principal rivers originate 
here. 
Question 4. 
What is an ‘aquifer’? 
Answer: 
A porous layer of rock capable of storing water and allowing its passage is called 
aquifer. 
Question 5. 
What is meant by ‘inland drainage’? Give an example. 
Answer: 
Inland drainage is that drainage in which the rivers do not reach an ocean or sea and 
drain in a lake or an ‘inland’ sea, e.g. Lake Eyre. 
 
Question 6. 
Which breed of sheep is mainly reared in Australia ? 
Answer: 
The merino breed of sheep, which produces the best fleece for wool, is mainly reared in 
Australia. 
Question 7. 
Identify the four main sheep-rearing states of Australia. 
Answer: 
The main sheep-rearing states are New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and 
South Australia. 
D. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs 
Question 1. 
Mention two differences between the rivers that flow down the western and eastern 
slopes of the Great Dividing Range. 
Answer: 
The Great Dividing range in the east divides the flow of rivers in the region. The rivers 
that flow down the eastern slopes’ are short and perennial and drain into Pacific Ocean. 
The rivers that flow down the western slopes are longer and flow to central lowlands 
and have inland drainage. 
Question 2. 
Explain an artesian basin and an artesian well. 
Answer: 
Artersian basin is a layer of porous or pervious rock lies between two layers of 
impervious rocks and acts as a reservoir. The rain water seeps underground and the 
rock becomes capable of holding water and allowing it to pass through it called aquifer. 
A well is bored into the aquifer through which water rises to the surface by natural 
pressure is called artesian well. 
Question 3. 
Why is most of the underground water not suitable for human consumption agriculture? 
Answer: 
Most of the underground water is not suitable for irrigation and human consumption as 
the water is salty and is present in the artesian basin of Australia. 
Question 4. 
How are corals formed? 
Answer: 
Corals are a hard substance composed of skeleton of tiny marine creatures called coral 
polyps. When corals die their hard skeletons remain fixed in place. Since these polyps 
Page 4


Australia:Location,Area, Political & Physical Features 
DISCUSS 
Why are the Eastern Highlands called the Great Dividing Range ? 
Answer: 
The Eastern Highlands are also called the Great Dividing Range because the 
mountains form the main watershed of Australia. A number of Australia’s principal rivers 
originate here. The Snowy River flows down the steep eastern slope while the Darling, 
Lachlan, and Murrumbidgee Rivers flow down the western slope and join the Murray 
River. 
THINK AND ANSWER 
Why can’t Australia’s exotic flora and fauna be found anyw here else in the world ? 
Answer: 
Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing 
ancient rock formations and pristine rain forests. Australia is the sixth largest country in 
the world and has the lowest population density per square kilometer. Australia has 16 
world heritage listed properties with its historic townships, bustling cities, vivid 
landscapes and exotic flora and fauna all adding to its unique appeal. Most of 
Australia’s exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world and the 
lifestyle is one second to none. 
EXERCISES 
A. Fill in the blanks 
Australia is located between latitudes 10°S and 40°S and , between longitudes 114°E 
and 154°E. So, this Island continent lies wholly in the Southern hemisphere. Australia is 
the sixth largest country in the world but is the smallest continent. The name Australia 
comes from the Latin word ‘Australis’ meaning Southern. The official name is the 
Commonwealth of Australia. Some other popular names are the ‘Land of Migrants’ and 
the ‘Island Continent’. 
B. Choose the correct answer 
1. The Great Dividing Range is so called because: 
1. it divides Australia into two halves 
2. it is very high 
3. it acts as a watershed between the rivers flowing to the east and those 
flowing westwards 
2. The Lake Eyre Basin is called an area of inland drainage because : 
1. the area keeps changing 
2. the rivers flowing in this area have no outlet to the sea 
3. it is a low-lying lake 
C. Answer the following questions in brief 
Question 1. 
Name the water bodies that surround Australia. 
Answer: 
Australia lies between the Indian Ocean in the west and the_ South Pacific Ocean in the 
east. 
Question 2. 
Identify and name the important line of latitude that passes through the middle of 
Australia. 
Answer: 
The tropic ofCapricom or 231/2 °S latitude passes through the middle of Australia. 
Question 3. 
Why are the Eastern Highlands also called the Great Dividing Range? 
Answer: 
The Eastern Highlands are called the Great dividing range because the mountains here 
form the main watershed of Australia. A number of Australia’s principal rivers originate 
here. 
Question 4. 
What is an ‘aquifer’? 
Answer: 
A porous layer of rock capable of storing water and allowing its passage is called 
aquifer. 
Question 5. 
What is meant by ‘inland drainage’? Give an example. 
Answer: 
Inland drainage is that drainage in which the rivers do not reach an ocean or sea and 
drain in a lake or an ‘inland’ sea, e.g. Lake Eyre. 
 
Question 6. 
Which breed of sheep is mainly reared in Australia ? 
Answer: 
The merino breed of sheep, which produces the best fleece for wool, is mainly reared in 
Australia. 
Question 7. 
Identify the four main sheep-rearing states of Australia. 
Answer: 
The main sheep-rearing states are New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and 
South Australia. 
D. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs 
Question 1. 
Mention two differences between the rivers that flow down the western and eastern 
slopes of the Great Dividing Range. 
Answer: 
The Great Dividing range in the east divides the flow of rivers in the region. The rivers 
that flow down the eastern slopes’ are short and perennial and drain into Pacific Ocean. 
The rivers that flow down the western slopes are longer and flow to central lowlands 
and have inland drainage. 
Question 2. 
Explain an artesian basin and an artesian well. 
Answer: 
Artersian basin is a layer of porous or pervious rock lies between two layers of 
impervious rocks and acts as a reservoir. The rain water seeps underground and the 
rock becomes capable of holding water and allowing it to pass through it called aquifer. 
A well is bored into the aquifer through which water rises to the surface by natural 
pressure is called artesian well. 
Question 3. 
Why is most of the underground water not suitable for human consumption agriculture? 
Answer: 
Most of the underground water is not suitable for irrigation and human consumption as 
the water is salty and is present in the artesian basin of Australia. 
Question 4. 
How are corals formed? 
Answer: 
Corals are a hard substance composed of skeleton of tiny marine creatures called coral 
polyps. When corals die their hard skeletons remain fixed in place. Since these polyps 
live in colonies, when they die their large accumulation of skeletons form coral reefs 
which are circular or ridge-like. 
Question 5. 
Write three interesting points about the Great Barrier Reef. 
Answer: 
Some Important points about the Great Barrier Reef are: 
1. The Great Barrier Reef is a 2,300 km long underwater ridge-like feature off the 
north-east coast of Australia at distance varying from 16 to 240 km from the 
coastline. 
2. It is composed of millions and millions of shells of tiny marine creatures called 
coral polyps. 
3. The Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s biggest tourist attraction. The warm, shallow, 
salty sea between the reef and the shore is the home of tropical fish of bright 
colours, and crustaceans that abound in this underwater paradise. 
E. Map work 
On the outline map of Australia given here, neatly mark and label the following : 
1. the capital cities of the states 
2. The narrow stretch of water that separates Tasmania from Australia 
3. The longest perennial river of Australia 
4. The ocean that lies west of Australia 
5. A ridge-like feature made up of coral 
6. write SHEEP FARMING in an appropriate place on the map where it is practised. 
Answer: 
 
Page 5


Australia:Location,Area, Political & Physical Features 
DISCUSS 
Why are the Eastern Highlands called the Great Dividing Range ? 
Answer: 
The Eastern Highlands are also called the Great Dividing Range because the 
mountains form the main watershed of Australia. A number of Australia’s principal rivers 
originate here. The Snowy River flows down the steep eastern slope while the Darling, 
Lachlan, and Murrumbidgee Rivers flow down the western slope and join the Murray 
River. 
THINK AND ANSWER 
Why can’t Australia’s exotic flora and fauna be found anyw here else in the world ? 
Answer: 
Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing 
ancient rock formations and pristine rain forests. Australia is the sixth largest country in 
the world and has the lowest population density per square kilometer. Australia has 16 
world heritage listed properties with its historic townships, bustling cities, vivid 
landscapes and exotic flora and fauna all adding to its unique appeal. Most of 
Australia’s exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world and the 
lifestyle is one second to none. 
EXERCISES 
A. Fill in the blanks 
Australia is located between latitudes 10°S and 40°S and , between longitudes 114°E 
and 154°E. So, this Island continent lies wholly in the Southern hemisphere. Australia is 
the sixth largest country in the world but is the smallest continent. The name Australia 
comes from the Latin word ‘Australis’ meaning Southern. The official name is the 
Commonwealth of Australia. Some other popular names are the ‘Land of Migrants’ and 
the ‘Island Continent’. 
B. Choose the correct answer 
1. The Great Dividing Range is so called because: 
1. it divides Australia into two halves 
2. it is very high 
3. it acts as a watershed between the rivers flowing to the east and those 
flowing westwards 
2. The Lake Eyre Basin is called an area of inland drainage because : 
1. the area keeps changing 
2. the rivers flowing in this area have no outlet to the sea 
3. it is a low-lying lake 
C. Answer the following questions in brief 
Question 1. 
Name the water bodies that surround Australia. 
Answer: 
Australia lies between the Indian Ocean in the west and the_ South Pacific Ocean in the 
east. 
Question 2. 
Identify and name the important line of latitude that passes through the middle of 
Australia. 
Answer: 
The tropic ofCapricom or 231/2 °S latitude passes through the middle of Australia. 
Question 3. 
Why are the Eastern Highlands also called the Great Dividing Range? 
Answer: 
The Eastern Highlands are called the Great dividing range because the mountains here 
form the main watershed of Australia. A number of Australia’s principal rivers originate 
here. 
Question 4. 
What is an ‘aquifer’? 
Answer: 
A porous layer of rock capable of storing water and allowing its passage is called 
aquifer. 
Question 5. 
What is meant by ‘inland drainage’? Give an example. 
Answer: 
Inland drainage is that drainage in which the rivers do not reach an ocean or sea and 
drain in a lake or an ‘inland’ sea, e.g. Lake Eyre. 
 
Question 6. 
Which breed of sheep is mainly reared in Australia ? 
Answer: 
The merino breed of sheep, which produces the best fleece for wool, is mainly reared in 
Australia. 
Question 7. 
Identify the four main sheep-rearing states of Australia. 
Answer: 
The main sheep-rearing states are New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and 
South Australia. 
D. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs 
Question 1. 
Mention two differences between the rivers that flow down the western and eastern 
slopes of the Great Dividing Range. 
Answer: 
The Great Dividing range in the east divides the flow of rivers in the region. The rivers 
that flow down the eastern slopes’ are short and perennial and drain into Pacific Ocean. 
The rivers that flow down the western slopes are longer and flow to central lowlands 
and have inland drainage. 
Question 2. 
Explain an artesian basin and an artesian well. 
Answer: 
Artersian basin is a layer of porous or pervious rock lies between two layers of 
impervious rocks and acts as a reservoir. The rain water seeps underground and the 
rock becomes capable of holding water and allowing it to pass through it called aquifer. 
A well is bored into the aquifer through which water rises to the surface by natural 
pressure is called artesian well. 
Question 3. 
Why is most of the underground water not suitable for human consumption agriculture? 
Answer: 
Most of the underground water is not suitable for irrigation and human consumption as 
the water is salty and is present in the artesian basin of Australia. 
Question 4. 
How are corals formed? 
Answer: 
Corals are a hard substance composed of skeleton of tiny marine creatures called coral 
polyps. When corals die their hard skeletons remain fixed in place. Since these polyps 
live in colonies, when they die their large accumulation of skeletons form coral reefs 
which are circular or ridge-like. 
Question 5. 
Write three interesting points about the Great Barrier Reef. 
Answer: 
Some Important points about the Great Barrier Reef are: 
1. The Great Barrier Reef is a 2,300 km long underwater ridge-like feature off the 
north-east coast of Australia at distance varying from 16 to 240 km from the 
coastline. 
2. It is composed of millions and millions of shells of tiny marine creatures called 
coral polyps. 
3. The Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s biggest tourist attraction. The warm, shallow, 
salty sea between the reef and the shore is the home of tropical fish of bright 
colours, and crustaceans that abound in this underwater paradise. 
E. Map work 
On the outline map of Australia given here, neatly mark and label the following : 
1. the capital cities of the states 
2. The narrow stretch of water that separates Tasmania from Australia 
3. The longest perennial river of Australia 
4. The ocean that lies west of Australia 
5. A ridge-like feature made up of coral 
6. write SHEEP FARMING in an appropriate place on the map where it is practised. 
Answer: 
 
 
 
F. Picture Study 
 
This is a photograph of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Why do you think this reef 
is Australia’s biggest tourist attraction. 
Answer: 
because its home for bright coloured tropical fishes and crustaceans that abound in this 
underwater paradise.