United States has 63 national parks managed by National Park Service. System includes 433 units, most with other formal designations. First national park Yellowstone established in 1872. Organic Act of 1916 created National Park Service
Largest desert in Australia, covering 348,750 km² from Western to South Australia. First European explorer Ernest Giles crossed in 1875, naming it after Queen Victoria. Divided by rough tracks including Connie Sue and Anne Beadell Highways
Archipelago of volcanic islands located 900 km west of South America. Straddles equator, covering 7,880 km² land and 45,000 km² ocean. Largest island is Isabela, measuring 2,250 km². Volcanism has been ongoing for at least 20 million years
Cougar is the most widespread wild mammal in Western Hemisphere. Adult males reach 2.4m length, females 2.05m. Weighs 53-72kg for males, 34-48kg for females. Has tawny coat with distinctive patterns, can leap up to 5.5m
Bird nests range from simple depressions to massive mound structures. Smallest nests are hummingbird cups, largest are scrubfowl mounds. Not all birds build nests, some lay eggs directly on ground. Some species use brood parasites or crevice nests
Tasmania is Australia's smallest state, located 240 km south of mainland. State covers main island and 1000 surrounding islands. Population was 573,479 as of June 2023. Capital and largest city is Hobart, with 40% of population in Greater Hobart