Handbook

The Australian fauna and flora evolved during a long period of isolation from the biota of other continents. For that reason, many of the animals and plants of Australia are unique because evolution has taken an alternative direction. A world renowned and distinctive aspect of Australia is the large number of dangerous animals, particularly, venomous animals. Even many plants in Australia are venomous and have a deadly sting.  The Australian environment provides many deadly challenges to its visitors. However, aside from simply having a reputation as being a dangerous place the characteristics which make the Australian flora and fauna so distinctive and the reasons why it is so distinctive are poorly understood by most people.

In this course students will learn about how evolutionary isolation has made the Australian fauna and flora so distinct. Along the way students will learn about the deadly animals and plants of Australia and how to identify them. Students will also learn about why this long period of isolation has made the Australian fauna so vulnerable to the threats posed by introduced species. This course will involve some day trip excursions and will incur a small cost to students (approximately $100).