WHY DOES AUSTRALIA HAVE UNUSUAL ANIMALS?

Many scientists believe that up to about 250 millions of years ago the world had just one huge super-continent called Pangaea. Animals and plants were able to move and intermix with one another. About 200 million years ago this super-continent broke up into two continents (Laurasia and Gondwana). About 60 million years ago Gondwana broke up into what was to later become South America, Africa, Antarctica, India and Australia. Since then Australia has been isolated from the rest of the world by vast oceans. The animals and plants which were originally here no longer had contact with animals from other parts of the world. They evolved separately. That is why they are so different. Australia has lots very unusual animals. About 95 percent of the mammals, 70 percent of the birds, 88 percent of the reptiles and 94 percent of the frogs are found nowhere else in the world. 7 of the 700 know species of birds and 19 of the known species of mammals (including the Tasmanian Tiger) are already extinct.

ANNOUNCEMENT An anonymous benefactor has announced a competition which will provide ONE MILLION DOLLARS to assist an endangered Australian animal. PROBLEM Only ONE animal can be assisted! HOW will they decide which animal?

CHALLENGE
You and your small research team must present a report which identifies an Australian native animal to be assisted.
Your report must include:

1. A brief description of the animal.
2. A description of the animal's habitat
3. What does this animal eat?
4. Where is the animal found?
5. Why is the animal endangered?
6. What action is being taken to protect this animal?

• ADDITIONALLY you must present:

	1. Details on three animals - but select only one to assist
Important!	2. Reasons why you selected this particular animal
Important!	3. Suggestions on how to assist the survival of this animal