With its poor, ancient soils supporting six major vegetation types, this ecosystem covers three-quarters of Australia. Whilst appearing sparsely populated, the arid inland is home to a variety of flora and fauna that have evolved to survive the harsh conditions. The program investigates how the flora and fauna have evolved by focusing on mulga, spinifex, kangaroo, wallaby and the bilby. The effect of introduced species is examined since their introduction has threatened the vegetation and led to the removal of the fragile top soils causing enormous erosion problems. The damage caused by mining, tourism and human intervention through clearing, fire and erosion is explored.
Islands are delicately balanced ecosystems.
Their isolation and small size can be seen as both advantageous and disadvantageous. Because islands are isolated, species different from those on the mainland may be able to develop. But because of their small size, any imbalance can have a great impact. The introduction or removal of a single species may impact across the whole ecosystem. This program looks at ways in which islands are formed, and how they are colonised by plants and animals.