Animal world Oceania, like her plant, is much richer in its western part and poorer - in eastern. In general, the fauna of Oceania Islands is a typical island, depleted mammal animals and at the same time endemic.
The animal world of Oceania is divided into three zoogeographic areas: Australian (Papauskaya Pliding). Polynesian and New Zealand.
In Papauskaya subsequent (Australian region), including a new Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Louisiada and Solomon Islands, the fauna is much richer and diverse of two other areas. Here they live egg-shaped echidna and prohhidna, wood kangaroo, pussy, opossums and other samples, there are representatives of the Asian fauna (for example, a boar). Very rich in the world of feathered (up to 650 species), represented by casual, lyroid, cockatoo, weed chicken, various types of pigeons and paradise birds. Crocodiles are found in the rivers. Many different insects.
The animal world of the New Zealand region is much poorer Papuaskoy subdomains. From mammals there are almost exclusively volatile mice and rats. From the birds are characterized by cooling kiwi and two types of parrots. Of reptiles, almost disappeared gatteria is interesting.
Animal world of the Polynesian region is even poorer and most endemic. Fauna here almost does not have animals, reptiles and amphibians. Mammals are represented by few species of volatile mice and dogs. In the extreme southeast and they completely disappear. The species composition of birds is richer, but they are also less here than in the west of Oceania. Few freshwater fish and insects.
The island character is sharply expressed by the very poor, exclusively endemic fauna of the Hawaiian Islands. From the birds, a family of flowers is distinguished from the birds, one family of ground mollusks is common, which has several hundred species.
Lory
Gecko
Varan Gulda.
Varan Gulda, envying the enemy or rival, gets up, leaning onto the tail, in full growth and threatening the mouth. The torso lizard is sometimes up to 1.5 m in length. With the onset of the night, Varan goes on the hunt and catches small rodents, and sometimes birds.
Kiwi bird
Blue (Small) Penguin
Summer aerial.
Summer Ants - a large lover of termites and all days hunt them. The animal is carefully sniffing the land in search underground strokes These insects. I teach production, he sits on the hind paws and begins to rake the earth to inspire his long tongue. The sum of the age of the day is up to 20,000 termites.
Platypus.
WKONKOS is looking for food at the bottom of the rivers: it dives and root a nose, similar to the duck beak. There, between the stones, hide fish and larvae. Grabbing prey, ITKONOS rises to the surface to eat calmly. In the summer, the animal feeds hard and pokes grass in its nest, because in winter the water is cooled and the fish becomes less.
Couscous flying.
Couscous Flying lives on the tops of the trees and very rarely falls on the ground. Front paws are connected to the rear wide leather membranes. Thanks to this, the animal may jump, plan between trees and sometimes flies up to 45 meters.
Oceania animals
Oceania animals are divided into "wandering", capable of actively or passively to eliminate the islands, overcoming the water barrier, and autochthons that do not have such an ability and are endemic species for one or another island.
Herons, frigates, drank, geese, ducks, sea swallows, snacks, ducks, pigeons and other birds nest are nesting on all islands.
Almost all over the Oceania, fronewater flying foxes and insectivorous bats are widespread. From amphibians and reptiles are blind snakes, leathery turtles and gecko.
From autochthons of New Zealand, you can call Bird Kiwi, New Caledonia - Bird Kaig, Hawaii - Floweries, etc.
European colonialists have strongly changed the fauna of Oceania, destroying a number of local species, and brought many new animals from other parts of the world. On all the islands they live with a pig colonializers, then the wild (for example, the Papuan Pig). Mice and rats appeared, accidentally brought and spread almost everywhere. Especially many animals are delivered to New Zealand. In their number, cows, horses and sheep became the basis of the country's agricultural production.
Reuts
Koala.
Koala resembles a little bear: an animal is a thick fur, a big nose and a shaggy ears. Koala live in the forests on the trees. For all day, they are torn and eating foliage. Singing, Koala is tight enough for the trunk and rests. Female Koala has only one cub. Like a kangaroo, the koala female lays a cub in the bag on the stomach. After 6 months, the baby leaves the handbag and travels at his mother on his back, tightly clinging to her with his paws.
Cassowary.
Kazaire is a very large bird, its weight can reach 50 kg, and the growth of one and a half meters. Food has fallen on earth fruits and mushrooms. Kazaire is a big fancy bird. She has almost a round torso, a high bone joke on the head, and the neck is covered with wrinkled skin.
Skat
Shark
Coral reef.
Coral reef consists of billions of microorganisms and small animals, which in warm the sea build lime houses, having them close to each other. Australian large coral reef stretches for almost 2,400 km. This is a real underwater fabulous world, where the great many amazing animals are living on the beauty of animals - multicolored fish, actinium, starfish ...
Ocean Islands - the most exotic and unusual direction for travel. It is already enough that when the homeland is raging in the homeland, then in the southern hemisphere - the height of the summer. And even though people do not go down their heads there, and the water is not twisted in reverse side, Oceania lands remain for many real terra incognita.
What is Oceania?
Oceania boundaries are sufficiently conditional. In essence, this is the cluster of the islands in the central and western part of the Pacific Ocean. The eastern point is the Island of Easter, Western - New Guinea. Geographers unite Oceania with Australia and consider these lands a separate part of the light.
In a rather long list there are such islands like New Zealand, New Guinea, Fiji, Easter, Solomon, Hawaiian and many others. Most of the islands are formed at the expense of volcanic activity, and many firewalling mountains still have a danger.
Papua New Guinea
Papua - New Guinea occupy a territory comparable from Square with Sweden, and actually combine Australia and Asia. Still long before European seawares and Miklukho-Maclay Indonesian rulers sent here their envisons for hunting for exotic birds and labor. The name of the island gave the Portuguese Don George di Menezish, clearly hinting on the hair of the Aboriginal: "Papua" in Malay means "curly". Here in use are more than 820 languages \u200b\u200b- this is due to some isolated tribes from each other because of the mountainous area.
Fiji
Fiji is an archipelago of 332 islands, and inhabitants of them only a third. The Europeans opened the Islands of Fiji in the XVII century, but until the XIX century did not risen the colonies there. The reason was one - the cannibalism of the aborigines. The leader had continued authority and power. In the villages still preserved respect for the chapter of the tribe: sunglasses and hats are allowed to wear only to him. But as for tourists ... It is difficult to find a more hospitable people. Here you will be treated by unusual dishes: the boiled flying, stew in banana leaves and even fried snakes. However, the beauty of the tropical forests and the diverse underwater world of Fiji, for which divers are very appreciated, is short-lived: due to the change in the coral climate, which is obliged to be at the threat - the ecosoboms are ahead of the alarm.
New Zealand
New Zealand (or "Long White Cloud") was opened in 1642 by the Dutch Sailor Abel Tasman. Local tribes at that time unequivocally did not like white-skinned Europeans ... This is now New Zealand is considered to be safe country World. Only James Cook in 1769, he also risked here in 1769, he also contributed to the inclusion of a new country in English possessions. The symbol of the island - the woundless timid bird of Kiwi - the New Zealander is called themselves. Well, Tolkien fans do not not know that all parts of the trilogy of the "Lord of the Rings" were filmed among the local landscapes, and during special tours you can see Hobbions and the dwelling of the Baggins.
Solomon islands
Solomon Islands are little known in the world. Similar remoteness from other geographic objects. Meanwhile, here is a constant soft climate and a unique nature in its beauty. For example, on the list World Heritage UNESCO is about to enter the salty lagoon Marovo with sparkling blue water - the largest in the world. There are the most exalted coral island - East Renhell. Tengano is so large freshwater lake on the territory of the southern hemisphere, which is 200 islands in its water management. As for the inhabitants, their manners and habits are rather curious. For example, many of them still worship sharks. Aborigines before the arrival of missionaries were mostly head hunters. By the way, about 10% of the blacks of Solomon Islands are blondes. It is not a mutation that appeared many centuries ago - this is not connected with the settlements of Europeans.
Animal I. vegetable world
Flora and the fauna of Oceania islands are affected by the imagination of experienced tourists with their exotic. What is just a grain tree! "The one who planches the breadwinner will make more in order to feed his descendants than the Helborob, all his life in the face of the face of his processing field," James Cook wrote. One plant can give up to 700-800 "breads" - special fruits with a sweet pulp, of which "bake" peculiar beekens. Sagovy palm trees in New Guinea give starch from which tasty pancakes make. In the abundance of rainforests you can meet trees-cakes - the sweet taste of their fruit really resembles confectionery. Well, the coconut bananas do not consider at all - without these fruits, the aborigines would not be able to survive.
People with entomophobia - the fear of insects - there is nothing to do on the islands of Oceania. Huge spiders, poisonous flies and giant butterflies are quite capable of scaring and even harm. In the jungle there is a danger of coming on the snake - well, or she spikes himself from the branch. In contrast to the dangers - the indescribable beauty of the paradise birds and the humble face of the sample animals. By the way, the possums, as many, many are mistaken, are not found in Oceania: there are possesses. This confusion arose during the research times of James Cook - a biologist of the expedition was attributed to the sophisticated animals in America in America.
Planned diving, sow on the world's best beaches from coral crumb, ride alpine skiing, to see the parrot in the natural habitat and play the most romantic wedding is a far from a complete list of what recently opened tourists oceania Islands.
Pavilion "Around the World. Asia, Africa, Latin America, Australia and Oceania "
Ethnomir, Kaluga region, Borovsky district, Petrovo village
In the Ethnographic Park-Museum "Ethnomir" - amazing place. The "urban" street is built inside the spacious pavilion, so on the street of the world is always warm, light and good weather - just right for an exciting walk, especially since within the framework of the latter you can make a whole world journey. As well as on any street, in love with tourists, there are attractions, workshops, street artisans, cafes and shops that are inside and outside 19 homes.
The facades of the buildings are made in different ethnic styles. Each house is a "quote" from the life and traditions of a certain country. Already the appearance of the houses begins a story about distant lands.
Enter the inside - and you will be surrounded by new, unfamiliar subjects, sounds and smells. Color range and finishing, furniture, interior and life items - all this helps to plunge into the atmosphere of distant countries, to understand and experience their uniqueness.
Oceania is the largest cluster of the islandslocated in the central and western parts of the Pacific Ocean (see Fig. 1).
About 10 thousand Oceania islands are scattered in a huge territory from subtropical latitudes of the northern hemisphere to moderate latitudes of the southern hemisphere. Most of The islands grouped into the archipelagoes: New Zealand, Hawaii, Fiji, Tuamot, etc. Such a location plays an important role for the nature of the islands.
In Oceania, three parts distinguish: Melanesia (translated from Greek means "Black Islands"), Micronesia ("Small Islands"), Polynesia ("Many Islands").
Fig. 1. Oceania map
Islands and their origin
The origin, geographical position and size of Oceania islands are closely related to the structure of the Pacific DNA. They are an overwhelming reflection of the underwater ocean relief, because the island is placed on the bottom of the ocean.
Oceania islands have different origins: mainland, volcanic and coral.
Relief volcanic islands mountainous, coral - lowered. On the extensive mainland islands, the mountains are combined with the plains.
Mainland Islands Before there were parts of the mainland, and separated from it due to lowering the sushi sites below sea level. These islands are located on the shelf.
For example, a few more tens of thousands of years ago, the greatest island of Oceania - New Guinea - was connected to Australia 150-kilometer jumper. Her lowering is only on
30 m led to the formation of Torres Strait. The mainland islands have both the islands of New Zealand (see Fig. 2).
Fig. 2. Mainland Island (New Zealand)
Volcanic islands They are the surface vertices of the largest underwater volcanoes, the foot of which lie at high depths (up to 5 km) (see Fig. 3).
These islands are small, rocky, crowned with cones extinct or existing volcanoes. They are located in the main groups. For example, Hawaiian Islands are 24 islands - stretched 2,500 km. They are formed by powerful outpacing of the lava of underwater and terrestrial eruptions of volcanoes millions of years ago. The largest of the islands - Hawaii is formed with extinct and existing volcanoes. Among them and the most high top In Polynesia - Mauna Kea volcano (4 210 m).
Fig. 3. Volcanic Island
Coral Islands Formed by marine organisms - coral polyps living inside limestone skeletons (see Fig. 4). Coral skeletons form reef. - stretched stripes - or atoll- Small islands of ring-shaped form.
Fig. 4. Coral Island
The foundation for corals usually serves the top of the underwater volcano. Therefore, many volcanic islands are surrounded by coral reefs. All coral structures rise above the water just a few meters. Therefore, the coral islands are low. They are rarely towering above 5 m above the ocean and barely noticeable among water spaces. That is why legends say that the inhabitants of Oceania "won" their islands from the oceanic bottom.
Climate
The climate is warm and soft, since most of the islands lie in Equatorial and tropical latitudes, only New Zealand comes to moderate.
The air temperatures are high, however, the heat soften the wet winds from the ocean. They cause abundant rains, so the amount of precipitation is large - more than 4,000 mm per year.
On windy slopes high volcanoes Hawaiian Islands is the most wet place on Earth: there are 12 500 mm of precipitation per year. But on the leeward slopes of precipitation there are very little (200 mm). In Oceania, tropical cyclones are born, which in the northern hemisphere is called typhoons, and in South Hurricanes. Most of them are in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. They lead to great destruction. However, in general, despite these dangerous natural phenomena, there is never cold on the islands or hot. Therefore, the climate of Oceania is considered the most comfortable on Earth.
Organic world
Isolation of the islands - the reason for the originality of their organic world. The poorest of all the life on small and relatively young in the age of coral islands, on the mainland it is richer and more diverse.
Due to the difference in moisturizing (or a lot, or little precipitation) are common both evergreen wet forests and dry savanna.
Coconut and sagoval palm trees, melon and bread trees, ficuses, orchids grow in the forests. Among wild plants a lot of useful - trees with valuable wood (iron and sandalwood), plants with juicy fruits (papaya, mango, bananas); Plants giving spices (ginger, nutmeg, pepper). However, the first place undoubtedly belongs to coconut palm (see Fig. 5).
Fig. 5. Coconut palm
Coral islands with poor soils, which occur with a thin layer on coral limestones, have poor herbaceous vegetation. Their decoration is only coconut palm trees. Interestingly, volcanic and coral islands settled on plants with winds, flows and even birds that transferred them to pollen, seeds, nuts.
In Oceania, many endemics - plant species and animals that are no longer found anywhere. So, for example, tree-like ferns and cabbage trees grow only in New Zealand. Now on the islands, natural forests are almost reduced. The plantations of agricultural crops spread in their place.
Animal world The islands are poor. Among the terrestrial animals there are almost no mammals (except mice and rats).
But many birds - paradise, pigeons, parrots, weed chickens. The absence of predators led to the appearance of birds without wings - Kaguya and Kiwi. There are no poisonous snakes on the islands. There are reptiles - gecko, iguana, lizards, ghatteria. In the waters, wash reefs and islands, volatile fish, sharks, sea turtles and snakes live. In the spread of animals they played a big role. Dogs delivered to them, cats, pigs strongly broke and subsequently wild.
Giant Bird Moa, which is no longer
Before the arrival of a person, New Zealand was the kingdom of birds. Mammals, with the exception of several types of bats, it did not exist here. The queen of this feathered state was the Giant Bird of Moa ...
Its the largest copies reached two meters in the shoulder and the mass of more than 200 kg. The females were almost two times heavier than males.
The gigantic Moa had a natural enemy - a giant eagle, the largest bird of prey on the planet (see Fig. 6).
Fig. 6. Image of Moa Bird
Bibliography
Basici
1. Geography. Earth and people. Grade 7: Tutorial for general. Uch. / A.P. Kuznetsov, L.E. Savelyeva, V.P. Drones, series of "spheres". - M.: Enlightenment, 2011.
2. Geography. Earth and people. 7 CL: Atlas. Series "Spheres".
Additional
1. N.A. Maximov. Behind the pages of the textbook geography. - M.: Enlightenment.
1. Russian Geographical Society ().
3. Tutorial by geography ().
4. Geographical directory ().
Oceania is part of the world; Geographic, often the geopolitical region of the world, consisting mainly of hundreds of small islands and atolls in the central and western parts of the Pacific.
Geographical position
Oceania is the world's largest cluster of the islands located in the western and central parts of the Pacific Ocean, between the subtropical latitudes of the Northern and moderate southern hemispheres. When the all sushi is divided into part of the light of oceania, it is usually combined with Australia into a single part of the Light Australia and Oceania, although sometimes it is released into an independent part of the world.
The total area of \u200b\u200bthe islands is 1.26 million km² (together with Australia 8.52 million km²), the population is about 10.7 million people. (together with Australia 32.6 million people). Geographically, Oceania is divided into Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia; Sometimes a new Zealand is distinguished.
Oceania islands are washed by numerous seas of quiet (Coral Sea, Tasmanovo Sea, Sea Fiji, Sea Coro, Solomono Sea, Novogwinsky Sea, Philippine Sea) and Indian Oceanov (Arafur Sea).
Countries and dependent territories
| Name of the region, countries |
Population |
Population density (people / km²) |
|||
| Australia | |||||
| Australia |
Canberra |
AUD (AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR) |
|||
| Ashmore and Cartier (Australia) |
uninhabited |
||||
| Coconut Islands (Australia) |
West Island |
AUD (AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR) |
|||
| Islands of the Coral Sea (Australia) |
uninhabited |
||||
| Norfolk (Australia) |
Kingston |
AUD (AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR) |
|||
| Christmas Island (Australia) |
Flying Fish Cove |
AUD (AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR) |
|||
| Herd Island and McDonald Islands (Australia) |
uninhabited |
||||
| Melanesia. | |||||
| Vanuatu |
Port Vila |
||||
| Irian Jaya (Indonesia) |
Jayapura, Manokvari. |
||||
| New Caledonia (France) | |||||
| Papua New Guinea |
Por Morsby |
||||
| Solomon islands |
SBD (Solomon Islands Dollar) |
||||
| Fiji |
FJD (Fiji Dollar) |
||||
| Micronesia | |||||
| GUAM (USA) |
USD (USA Dollar) |
||||
| Kiribati. |
South Tarawa |
AUD (AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR) |
|||
| Marshall Islands |
USD (USA Dollar) |
||||
| Nauru |
AUD (AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR) |
||||
| Palau |
Melek |
USD (USA Dollar) |
|||
| Northern Mariana Islands (USA) |
USD (USA Dollar) |
||||
| Wake (USA) | |||||
| Federated States of Micronesia |
USD (USA Dollar) |
||||
| Polynesia | |||||
| American Samoa (USA) |
Pago Pago, Fagat |
USD (USA Dollar) |
|||
| Baker (USA) |
uninhabited |
||||
| Hawaii (USA) |
Honolulu |
USD (USA Dollar) |
|||
| Jarvis (USA) |
uninhabited |
||||
| Johnston (USA) | |||||
| Kingmen (USA) |
uninhabited |
||||
| Kiribati. |
South Tarawa |
AUD (AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR) |
|||
| Midway (USA) | |||||
| Niue (New Zealand) |
NZD (New Zealand Dollar) |
||||
| New Zealand |
Wellington |
NZD (New Zealand Dollar) |
|||
| Cook Islands (New Zealand) |
NZD (New Zealand Dollar) |
||||
|
Easter Island (Chile) |
Hanga Roa. |
CLP (Chilean Pesso) |
|||
| Palmyra (USA) | |||||
| Pitcairn (United Kingdom) |
Adamstall |
NZD (New Zealand Dollar) |
|||
| Samoa |
WST (Samoan Tala) |
||||
| Tokelau (New Zealand) |
NZD (New Zealand Dollar) |
||||
| Tonga |
Nukuulof |
Top (Tongan Pa'anga) |
|||
| Tuvalu |
Funafuti |
AUD (AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR) |
|||
| Wallis and Futuna (France) |
XPF (French Pacific Frank) |
||||
| French polynesia (France) |
XPF (French Pacific Frank) |
||||
| Hauland (USA) |
uninhabited |
Geology
From the point of view of oceania geology is not the continent: only Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, New Guinea and Tasmania have continental origin, formed at the site of the hypothetical mainland Gondwan. In the past, these islands were a single land, however, as a result of raising the level of the world's ocean, a significant part of the surface was under water. The relief of these islands is mountainous and strongly dissected. For example, highest mountains Oceania, including the mountain Jaya (5029 m), are located on New Guinea Island.
Most Oceania islands have volcanic origin: some of them are vertices of large underwater volcanoes, some of which still show high volcanic activity (for example, Hawaiian Islands).
Other islands have coral origins, being atolls that have formed as a result of the formation of coral buildings around the volcanoes immersed under the water (for example, Gilbert Islands, Tuamotu). A distinctive feature of such islands are large lagoons, which are surrounded by numerous islands, or a moto, the average height of which does not exceed three meters. In Oceania, there is an atoll with the largest lagoon in the world - Kwajalein in the Archipelago of Marshall Islands. Despite the fact that its land area is only 16.32 km² (or 6.3 square meters. Miles), Lagoon Square - 2174 km² (or 839.3 square meters. Miles). The largest atoll of Sushi Square is the Island of Christmas (or Kirithmatima) in the Line Archipelago (or Central Polynesian Sporades) - 322 km². However, among the atolls there is a special type - raised (or elevated) atoll, which is a limestone plateau with a height of up to 50-60 m above the ocean level. This type of lagoon island has no traces of its past existence. Examples of such atolls can serve Nauru, Niue, Banaba.
The relief and the geological structure of the bottom of the Pacific Ocean in the Oceania area has a complex structure. From the Alaska Peninsula (part of North America) to New Zealand there is a large number of kitrooms of the outskirts of the seas, deep-water oceanic chutes (Tonga, Kermadek, Bougainvillean), which form a geosynclinal belt, characterized by active vulcanism, seismicity and contrasting relief. 
On most Oceania islands, minerals are missing, only development is underway on the largest of them: nickel (New Caledonia), oil and gas (New Guinea Island, New Zealand), Copper (Bougainville Island in Papua - New Guinea), Gold (New Guinea , Fiji), phosphates (on most of the islands of the field almost or have already been developed, for example, to Nauru, on the Islands of Banaba, Makata). In the past, the many Islands of the region was actively developing guano, laid out the litter of seabirds, which was used as nitrogen and phosphoric fertilizer. On the oceanic day of the exceptional economic zone of a number of countries there are large accumulations of iron-manganese concretions, as well as cobalt, but at the moment there are no development due to economic inappropriateness.
Climate Oceania
Oceania is located within a few climatic belts: Equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical, moderate. In most of the islands, the tropical climate is dominated. The subequatorial climate dominates the islands near Australia and Asia, as well as to the east of 180 meridian in the equator zone, Equatorial - west of 180 meridian, subtropical - to the north and south of the tropics, moderate - most of the southern island in New Zealand.
The climate of Oceania islands is determined mainly by the trade winds, therefore, at most of them, abundant precipitation falls. The average annual precipitation varies from 1500 to 4000 mm, although on some islands (in particular, due to the design features and on the leeward side), the climate may be more arid or more wet. In Oceania, one of the most wet places of the planet is located: on the eastern slope of the Vaileal Mountain on the island of Kauai, up to 11,430 mm of precipitation drops each year (the absolute maximum was reached in 1982: then 16,916 mm fell). Near the tropics, the average temperature is about 23 ° C, at the equator - 27 ° C, with a slight difference between the hottest and most cold months. 
At the climate of Oceania islands, such anomalies as the currents of El Niño and La Niña also have a great influence. During El Niño, the interdropic convergence zone moves to the north towards the Equator, with La Nier - south away from the equator. In the latter case, a strong drought is observed on the islands, in the first - strong rains.
Most Oceania islands are subject to the destructive effects of natural cataclysms: volcanic eruptions (Hawaiian Islands, new hebrides), earthquakes, tsunami, cyclones, accompanied by typhoins and strong rains, droughts. Many of them lead to essential material and human losses. For example, as a result of Tsunami in Papua - 2,200 people died in July 1999.
On the South Island in New Zealand and on the island of New Guinea high in the mountains there are glaciers, however, due to the global warming process, there is a gradual reduction in their area.
Soil and hydrology
Because of different climatic conditions Soil Oceania is very diverse. The soil of the atolls is highly riveted, coral origin, very poor. Usually they are porous, due to which moisture is very poorly delayed, and also contain very few organic and mineral substances with the exception of calcium, sodium and magnesium. Soils of volcanic islands, as a rule, have volcanic origin and are distinguished by high fertility. On large mountainous islands there are red-yellow, mining varnisses, mountain-meadow, yellow-brown soils, yellow-glazes, reds. 
Large rivers are only on the South and North Island of New Zealand, as well as on the island of New Guinea, on which the largest oceania rivers, sepik (1126 km) and Flace (1050 km) are located. The largest river of New Zealand - Whicato (425 km). Nutrition rivers predominantly rain, although in New Zealand and on New Guinea, the rivers are also fueled by the waters from the melting glaciers and snow. The river's atolls are not at all due to the high soil porosity. Instead, rainwater, leaking through the soil, forms a lens slightly stray water, to get to which you can, dig a well. On more major islands (As a rule, volcanic origin) There are small streams of water, which flow in the side of the ocean.
The greatest number of lakes, including thermal, is in New Zealand, where there are also geysers. On other islands Oceania, the lake is a great rarity.
Flora and fauna
Oceania is included in the Paleotropic region of vegetation, while three subdomains are distinguished: Melanesian-Micronesian, Hawaiian and New Zelaland. Among the most widespread plants of Oceania, coconut palm trees and breadwinners are distinguished, which play an important role in life local residents: Fruits are used in food, wood is a source of heat, a building material, from the oily endosperm of nuts of coconut palms produce a copp, which is the basis for exporting countries of this region. On the islands also grows a large number of epiphytes (ferns, orchids). The largest number of endemics (both representatives of flora and fauna) are registered in New Zealand and in the Hawaiian Islands, while from the West to the East there is a decrease in the number of species, childbirth and plants.
The animal world of Oceania also applies to the Polynesian faunistic area with the subland of the Hawaiian Islands. The Fauna of New Zealand stands out to an independent area, New Guinea - to the Papuaski subland of the Australian region. New Zealand and New Guinea are distinguished by the greatest variety. On the small islands of Oceania, first of all, the atolls, mammals almost do not meet: only a small rat is inhabited for many of them. But the local ornithofaun is very rich. On most atolls there are bird bazaars, where sea birds nest. From representatives of the fauna of New Zealand, birds of Kiwi, who have become the national symbol of the country are the most famous. Other endemics of the country - Kea (lat. Nestor Notabilis, or Nestor), Cocoapo (Lat. Strigops Habroptilus, or Sovic Parrot), Taka (Lat. Notoronis Hochstelteri, or Outless Sultanka). In all Oceania islands, a large number of lizards, snakes and insects live.
In the course of European colonization of the islands on many of them, foreign species of plants and animals were delivered, which had a negative impact on the local flora and fauna.
In the territory of the region there is a large number of protected areas, many of which occupy significant areas. For example, Phoenix Islands in the Republic of Kiribati from January 28, 2008 are the world's largest marine reserve (area of \u200b\u200b410,500 km²).
Population
Polynesians, Micronesians, Melanesians and Papuans are indigenous inhabitants of Oceania.
Polynesians living in Polynesia countries have a mixed racial type: their appearance are viewed by the features of the Europeanoid and mongoloid races, and to a lesser extent - Australoid. The largest peoples of Polynesia are Hawaiians, self-suicide, Taitians, Tongsans, Maori, Markizers, Rapanuitsa and others. Native languages \u200b\u200bbelong to the Polynesian subgroup of the Austronesian Languages: Hawaiian, Samanevsky, Taitian, Tongan, Maori, Marquis, Rapanoisky and others. The characteristic features of Polynesian languages \u200b\u200bare a small number of sounds, especially consonant, abundance of vowels.
Micronesians live in the countries of Micronesia. The largest peoples are Carolins, Kiribati, Marshall, Nauru, Chamorro and others. Native languages \u200b\u200bbelong to the Micronesian group of Austronesian Languages: Kiribati, Carolinsky, Kusayan, Marshall, Naurouan and others. Languages \u200b\u200bof Palau and Chamorro refer to West Malaysian-Polynesian, and Yappan forms a separate branch in the composition of the oceanic languages, which also include Micronesian languages.
Melanesians live in Melanesia countries. Race type - Australoid, with a small mongoloid element, close to the Papuas of New Guinea. Melanesians speak Mellanesian languages, but their languages, unlike Micronesian and Polynesian and Polynesian, do not form a separate genetic group, and the language fragility is very large, so people from neighboring villages can not understand each other.
Papuans inhabit the island of New Guinea and some areas of Indonesia. According to anthropological type, they are close to melanesians, but differ from them by language. Not all Papua Russian languages \u200b\u200bare related to each other. The national language of Papuans in Papua - New Guinea is the Creole Tok-Pisin language on an English basis. According to various people of the peoples and languages \u200b\u200bof Papuans, there are from 300 to 800. At the same time, there are difficulties in establishing the difference between a separate language and dialect.
Many ocean languages \u200b\u200bare on the verge of extinction. In everyday life, they are increasingly crowding out English and French.
The position of the indigenous population in the countries of Oceania is different. If, for example, in the Hawaiian Islands, their share is very low, then in New Zealand Maori make up to 15% of the country's population. Polynesian share on the northern Mariana Islandslocated in Micronesia, is about 21.3%. In Papua - New Guinea, the majority of the population make up numerous Papuan peoples, although the share of immigrants from other islands of the region is also high.
In New Zealand and in the Hawaiian Islands, the majority of the population are Europeans, whose share is also high in New Caledonia (34%) and in French Polynesia (12%). On Fiji Islands 38.2% of the population is represented by Indo-Fijians, descendants of Indian contract workers brought to the islands of the British in the XIX century.
Recently, the share of immigrants from Asia (mostly Chinese and Philipins) increases in Oceania countries. For example, on the Northern Mariana Islands, the share of Philipps is 26.2%, and the Chinese are 22.1%.
Oceania's population mainly professes Christianity, adhering to either Protestant or the Catholic branch.
Oceania history
Preolonional period
The island of New Guinea and the nearby islands of Melanesia were, presumably populated by immigrants from Southeast Asia, sailing at about 30-50 thousand years ago. About 2-4 thousand years ago, most of Micronesia and Polynesia were settled. The process of colonization ended in about 1200 of our era. By the beginning of the XVI century, the peoples of Oceania were experiencing a period of decomposition of the primitive communal system and the formation of a early grade society. Crafts were actively developed, agriculture, navigation.
Colonial period
Ships of the English traveler James Cook and Canoeing Natives in Matavai Bay on Tahiti Island (French Polynesia), artist William Khodjes, 1776
In the period from the XVI to the XVIII century, the period of studying Oceania with Europeans, who gradually began to settle the islands. However, the process of European colonization went very slowly, as the region did not cause much interest among the aliens due to the lack of natural wealth, and negatively affected the local population: many diseases were delivered, which were never in Oceania, and this led to epidemics, as a result of which the considerable part of the natives. At the same time, a Christianization of residents who worshiped numerous deities and spirits were worshiped.
In the XVIII-XIX centuries, the section of Oceania islands between colonial powers, primarily the British Empire, Spain and France (subsequently, the US and the German Empire also joined them). Of particular interest among the Europeans caused the possibility of creating plantations on the islands (coconut palm trees for the production of copper, sugar cane), as well as slave trade (the so-called "hunt for black droinds", which assumed the recruitment of the islanders to work on plantations).
In 1907, New Zealand became a dominion, but formally, she became a completely independent state in 1947. After the First World War, the first political organizations began to be emerged ("May" on Western Samoa, "Fijian Youth" for Fiji), which fought for the independence of the colonies. During World War II, Oceania was one of the theaters of hostilities, where many battles occurred (mainly between Japanese and American troops).
After the war in the region there were some improvements in the economy, but in most colonies, she was one-sided nature (the predominance of plantation economy and the almost complete absence of industry). Since the 1960s, the process of decolonization began: in 1962, independence received Western Samoa, in 1963 - West Irian, in 1968 - Nauru. Subsequently, most of the colonies became independent.
Postwoman period
After obtaining independence in most Oceania countries, serious economic, political and social problems have survived, which they are trying to decide thanks to the help of the world community (including the UN) and through regional cooperation. Despite the process of decolonization in the 20th century, some of the islands of the region still remain in one extent dependent: New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna from France, Pitcairn Islands from Great Britain, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau from New Zealand, row Islands (all external small islands, except for Navassa Island) from the United States.
Economy
Most countries of Oceania have a very weak economy, which is associated with several reasons: the limitness of natural wealth, remoteness from the world market sales markets, a deficit of highly qualified specialists. Many states depend on the financial assistance of other countries.
The basis of the economy of most Oceania countries is agriculture (production of copers and palm oil) and fishing. Among the most important crops, coconut palm trees are distinguished, bananas, breadcrumbs. Possessing huge exclusive economic zones and without having a large fishing fleet, the governments of the Oceania countries issue licenses for the right of fish to the courts of other states (mainly Japan, Taiwan, USA), which significantly replenishes the state budget. The mining industry is most developed in Papua - New Guinea, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand. 
A significant part of the population is occupied in the public sector. Recently, measures are being taken to develop the tourist sector of the economy.
Culture
The art of Oceania has developed a distinctive style, which gives the uniqueness of local culture.
IN fine art Polynesians The main place belongs to the wood thread and sculpture. Maori has a high-level thread reached, they decorated the boats, details of the houses, cut out the statues of gods and ancestors, such a statue stands in every village. The main motive of the ornament is a spiral. Stone statues of the MOAI created on the island of Easter and in the Marquis Islands. From the crafts, the most important was the construction of boats, as they allowed to engage in fishing and traveling to long distances (in this regard, the Polynesians developed astronomy). Among the Polynesians, a tattoo was widely widespread. The tap served as a clothing, which was made from the bark of the trees of the Family Family. In Polynesia, the myths, legends, fairy tales, singing and dancing were developed. Writing was probably only on Easter Island (Rongo-Rongo), folklore was passed on orally on other islands.
Micronesians from the art of art are popular singing and dancing. Each tribe has its own myths. In everyday life, the main place was held by the court - boats. There were boats of different types: Dibenil - sailing, Wab - a large junior boat. Megalites meet on the islands. Of particular interest is Nan-Madol, known as "Micronesian Venice". This is a whole city on the water, in the lagoon on the island of Ponap. Stone structures are built on artificial islets.
The melanesians of a special heyday reached a wood carving. Unlike Polynesians, Melanesians were not so tied to the sea, they were more like sushi residents. The main musical instrument is a drum, or tames. Papuans are common folklore, songs, dances, myths. Songs and dances are very simple. Singing is called Moon, the melody varies very weakly. The cult of ancestors and skulls is important. Papuats manufactures Corvara - images of ancestors. Well developed wood carving.
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The groups of the islands and archipelagoes of Western and central parts are combined into a geographic area under the overall name of Oceania. Historically, the division of all islands into four ethnographic-geographical areas: (O-Va Tonga, Samoa, Cook, Hawaiian, O. Easter, etc.), Melanesia (about., Bismarck Archipelago, O-Wa, etc.), ( Mariana and others), new. Most of the Oceania islands focuses in between 10 °. sh. and 20 ° С. sh.
The Russian scientist N. N. Miklukho-Maklai made a great contribution to the study of nature and population of Oceania. He studied the life of the peoples of the island of New Guinea, left descriptions of the nature of coastal territories. Scientific research N. N. Miklukho-Maclay was associated with his conviction in the need to protect backward and oppressed peoples. At the very end of the XIX century. Our countryman lived on the Hawaiian Islands, the native of the Mogilev province N. K. Suzilovsky.
Geological structure and relief of oceania
Remember how mainland, volcanic and coral islands were formed. The largest mainland islands of Oceania is a new Guinea and New Zealand. Vulcanism is a characteristic process of this region. In the Hawaiian Islands there is a Kilauea volcano, one of the most active acting volcanoes on Earth. Volcanic islands form giant island arcs. They have an elongated configuration. Oceania is replete with coral islands - reefs and atolls, which form entire archipelagoes (Gilbert Islands, Tuamot).
Climate Oceania
Oceania Islands are mainly in Equatorial, subequatorial and. Only the northern part of the Hawaiian archipelago enters the subtropics, and the southern part of New Zealand is located in a temperate belt. In Oceania, two climatic regions are distinguished: trade mat and monsoon. For climate of Oceania, small temperature fluctuations are characteristic: from +30 ° Happy day to +21 ° С at night. Winds from the ocean soften the heat. There is never too cold here, nor too hot, so the climate of Oceania is considered the most comfortable on globe. The main directions - from the east to the west. They contribute to the resettlement of organisms.
Sea air masses dominate in Oceania. In areas where monsoon circulation prevails, precipitation falls 3000-4000 mm per year. In the Hawaiian Islands, on the winding slopes, more than 12,090 mm of precipitation per year falls. This is one of the most wet places on Earth. The distribution of precipitation is associated with the presence of mountains. On the island of Hawaii there are sites where less than 200 mm falls per year.
Among the very dangerous and destructive natural phenomena, tropical hurricanes are noted. They destroy plantations, destroy the dwellings, and sometimes emerging waves wash off all living things. The local population is stirred to settle on Cook Islands and Tuamot, where hurricanes are often observed. The subtropical and moderate climate is characteristic of New Zealand, where the winter is frost to -13 ° C, and in the mountains is snow.
Oceania floral and animal world
Isolation of the island sushi is the most reflected on her and. The diversity of the world of plants and animals depends on the age of the islands, their size and remoteness from the mainland. The poorest of all he is on the coral islands, where the deficit is fresh water and poor soil. Only a few dozen species of plants grow on them. On Oceania, mostly in Melanesia, the ancient plants are preserved, for example, tree ferns reaching 8-15 m of heights. Rich and peculiar vegetable world of New Zealand (pine, palm trees).
The vegetable and animal world of Oceania is characterized by two features. There are rare species that are not found on the mainland. At the same time, there are almost no whole groups of organisms, usual for the mainland. There are no many types of flowering plants that are found on land, but spore plants are widespread. Ancient plants that have been growing on the mainland in the geological past (Gîtecarpus, Agathiis (Kauri), etc. have been preserved on the islands.
Animal world of the islands is the poor. There are no mammals on many islands, the exception is brutged here, mice, goats and cats. A lot of seabirds: petrels, albatrises, seagulls, which nest here and remove chicks. On the island of New Guinea there is a weed chicken, a representative of the Australian fauna.
On New Zealand, Kiwi is preserved at New Zealand, very cautious, inhabitants in thick herbs, the Maori shepherd. Bird Kiwi is depicted on the coat of arms of New Zealand. On New and New Zealand there are rare species of parrots - Kakapapo, or the Sovic, and the KEA parrot with a strong sharp and curved beak. First, Gatteria was preserved at one of the islands of New Zealand.
Only 5-7 types of seabirds nest on individual islands. At the same time, the number of bird species on New Guinea is more than 100, rich insect fauna (more than 3,700 species).
Oceania minerals
Minerals on Oceania Oceania are distributed extremely unevenly. The economy is conducted where valuable minerals are available. So, in New Caledonia is up to 25% of world reserves of nickel, there are reserves of phosphates on the island of Christmas. Among the states of Oceania, Papua is allocated - New Guinea, where there are gold, silver, stocks are explored.
Oceania's economic activity
The population of Oceania is about 10 million people. There are several hypotheses about Oceania settlement paths. Most scientists believe that Oceania was populated by people from Southeast Asia a lot of millennia ago. The hypothesis of Tour Heyerdala was settled out of America.
Oceania inhabitants were skilled seafood and shipbuilders. They made swimming for thousands of kilometers from their native islands. Modern inhabitants of Oceania are engaged, growing coconut palms, bananas, cocoa, coffee. Traditional fishery - fishing. Nature and life of oceania people are largely subject to natural catastrophic disasters (tropical hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanism).
On many of the islands of volcanic and mainland, non-ferrous metal ores, stone coal, are developing phosphorites deposit. Every year, states of Oceania become objects of international tourism. The nature of the islands changes under the influence of man's economic activity. On the site of the destroyed natural plantation, where sugar cane, pineapples, bananas, tea, coffee, rubcoming and other cultures are cultivated.
Political map of Oceania
Contemporary political map. Oceania has developed as a result of a long struggle of the colonial powers for the section among themselves oceanic archipelago. Until the beginning of the 60s. XX century In Oceania, there was one independent state - New Zealand. By the end of the twentieth century. More than 10 independent states were formed in Oceania. A number of islands and archipelagos remain in political and economic dependence on the world. Most of the Hawaiian Islands archipelago since 1959 is the 50th US state.
The formation of nature of Oceania affects Pacific OceanHer distance from other continents, location in tropical latitudes. The basis of the farm of the majority of Oceania countries - agriculture. Many Islands are mining mining.
