Australia, Oceania, & Antarctica Vocab

Coral Islands An island created by a gradual buildup of coral skeletons.

Indigenous Native to the area in which something is found.

Invasive species Non-native plants or animals introduced to a new area, intentionally or unintentionally, that disturb habitats of native life forms.

Coral Reef Rock-like structure built by layers of coral organisms.

Atoll A ring-shaped reef, island, or chain of islands made of coral.

Ice Shelf A floating sheet of ice attached to a landmass.

Linguist A language scientist

Salinization the building up of salt in soil

Assimilation A process in which a minority group adopts the culture of the majority.

Reserve Land set aside for native people.

Marsupial A mammal whose females carry their babies in a pouch.

Artesian wells Artesian Groundwater large reservoir of underground water Artesian Wells A well is drilled to access underground artesian water at a lower elevation so the water flows easily to the surface

Antarctic Treaty 1959 agreement by 12 countries to use Antarctica for peaceful purposes and to share scientific discoveries.