I.The Land ·Isolated from other major land masses, Australia's distinctive flora and fauna evolved through its long period as an island continent. One of the animals that are unique to the continent is the platypus -often described as the world's most unusual animal. I. The Land • Isolated from other major land masses, Australia’s distinctive flora and fauna evolved through its long period as an island continent. One of the animals that are unique to the continent is the platypus – often described as the world’s most unusual animal