Geography Q&A by dot point

Analyse spatial patterns of biodiversity at global scale, including biodiversity hotspots, centres of endemism, the latitudinal gradient, and the principles of island biogeography

Analyse the value of ecosystem services and the drivers of global biodiversity loss; evaluate conservation strategies (protected areas, restoration, global agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and CITES)

Investigate ecosystems as systems of biotic and abiotic interactions; analyse energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, and the spatial distribution of major terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

Apply ecosystem and biodiversity concepts to the Great Barrier Reef as a case study: biophysical features, threats (bleaching, runoff, crown-of-thorns starfish), and management responses (GBRMPA, zoning, Reef 2050 Plan, Traditional Owner partnerships)

Evaluate management and conservation strategies for ecosystems and biodiversity at different scales, including in-situ and ex-situ conservation, protected area frameworks, restoration, Indigenous land management, and global agreements

Analyse the natural and human-induced causes of change to ecosystems and biodiversity, including the HIPPO framework and the role of climate change; refer to the IUCN Red List and named threatened species

Investigate climate change as a global sustainability challenge: causes, spatial patterns of impact, stakeholder responses, and the role of international agreements (Paris Agreement, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change)

Investigate global economic inequality and development: measures of development (HDI, GDP per capita), the development gap between the Global North and Global South, and the role of trade, aid, debt and the Sustainable Development Goals

Investigate global population change: the demographic transition model, population pyramids, ageing populations in developed countries, rapid growth in lower-income countries, urbanisation, and policy responses

Investigate globalisation as a process of flows: trade, capital, labour and information; the role of trade agreements (WTO, RCEP, CPTPP); supply chain fragility; winners and losers; deglobalisation pressures and impacts on Australia

Investigate international agreements and stakeholders responding to global sustainability challenges: the UN framework, UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, the SDGs, COP conferences, and the roles of NGOs, multinational corporations and individuals

Investigate global resource use and the circular economy: finite resources, planetary boundaries, the linear-to-circular transition, and the interconnection of food, water and energy security

Investigate economic activities in rural and urban places: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary sectors; agglomeration economies; mining boom-and-bust cycles; food production and rural Australia's economic role

Investigate liveability and urban quality of life: liveability metrics and indices, named liveable cities, intra-city inequalities, the 15-minute city concept, and the challenge of maintaining liveability as cities grow

Investigate planning and management of rural and urban places: planning instruments (LEPs, planning schemes), transport infrastructure, housing policy, sustainable urban planning, regional development programs, and the stakeholders involved

Investigate the spatial patterns of rural places: settlement patterns (dispersed, nucleated, linear), the rural-urban continuum, drivers of rural change, and the decline of small Australian country towns

Investigate urban morphology and land use: CBD, inner, middle and outer suburbs; land-use models (Burgess, Hoyt, multiple nuclei); spatial inequality, gentrification, and urban consolidation versus sprawl

Investigate urbanisation as a global process: spatial patterns, mega-cities (10 million+ population), drivers, and challenges including informal settlements, infrastructure, liveability and inequity