Content
Introduction
In this topic, we will look at the forests of New Guinea. This large island is located on the edge of the Australian plate, and on many occasions has been connected to Australia by a land bridge. It is separated from Malesia by Wallace's Line, although the precise location of this biogeographic divide has been debated ever since Alfred Russel Wallace first proposed it. The island has a very complex topography, and this has created a range of climatic conditions, and the vegetation reflects this.
Understanding the flora and fauna is complex, as both Australian and Malesian elements are represented. In addition, the island is sufficiently large that vicariant speciation has occurred, both on the mainland and on the surrounding islands. The island's ecology is extremely complex, and a single presentation can hardly do it justice. However, what is presented here may interest you sufficiently to further explore this island's fascinating ecology.
Outcomes
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
- Describe the island of New Guinea, including its topography and relationship to Australia
- Explain how the mountains in New Guinea affect the climate at particular locations
- Describe the different types of forest found on the island
- Compare the forests found at different altitudes
- Explain the origins of the flora and fauna, and why these differ
Readings
Optional Readings
- Beehler, B.M. 2020. New Guinea. Nature and culture of Earth’s grandest island. Princeton, New Jersey, USA: Princeton University Press. 375 pp.
- Marshall, A.J. and Beehler, B.M. 2007. The Ecology of Papua. Part One. Periplus Editions, Singapore. 749 pp.
- Marshall, A.J. and Beehler, B.M. 2007. The Ecology of Papua. Part Two. Periplus Editions, Singapore. Ca. 720 pp.
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Self-check Quiz (For certificate learning only)
After viewing topic presentations, take this self-check quiz to check your own progress. This quiz is designed to see how well you remember some of the issues presented in the topic. There are five questions, and each has a potential of 4 answers, only one of which is correct. When you are ready, click the link 'Self-Check Quiz 5.1.4' to start taking the quiz.
Case Study Discussion (For certificate learning only)
Once you have have read the presentation, post a question about the ecology of New Guinea's forests, and answer/respond to at least one other question on the discussion board Case Study 4 Discussion - Forests of New Guinea.
Summary
The forests of New Guinea are diverse and extremely interesting. They contain a mix of Australian and Malesian elements, and large numbers of endemic species. Many of the forests are relatively inaccessible, and much remains to be learnt about them. Fieldwork is challenging, not only because of the terrain and lack of access, but also because social unrest has made it difficult to visit some areas.
Understanding the ecology of New Guinea is important in its own right, but is also important for an understanding of the tropical forests in Australia. The forests of New Guinea contain many unusual creatures, and many more remain to be discovered.
Self-review (For self learning)
To review what you have learned in the topic, you are encouraged to use the following reflection questions as a study guide to do a self-review for the topic:
- What are the principal features of New Guinea, including its topography and relationship to Australia?
- How do the mountains in New Guinea affect the climate at particular locations?
- What are the main types of forests in New Guinea, and how do they differ from each other?
- How do forests vary with altitude in New Guinea?
- How did the flora and fauna of new Guinea get there, and why do different taxonomic groups differ in their origins?
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