高中三年级英语(人教版)全一册 Unit 3 Integrating Skills 2

　　THE DISCOVERY OF AUSTRALIA

　　Australia was discovered about 53,000 years ago. It is possible that the first people crossed into Australia from Asia on a great land bridge when the water level of the oceans was lower. The first Australians are often called "Aborigines", which means "the first people of a country", but today many of them prefer to be known as Kooris. Kooris are among the oldest races of the world and they developed a strong system of society. Their spiritual faith and their gods were important to them, and their knowledge, customs and memories were handed down by the elders of the race. Cave paintings have been found which are at least 20,000 years old and are perhaps the oldest form of art yet discovered on earth.

　　Kooris developed a way of life that was suitable for this hot and dry country. They invented different kinds of fishing nets, and also a curiously shaped piece of wood for hunting, which could be thrown and would return to the thrower if it did not strike anything. The Kooris lived by hunting animals, birds and fish, and by gathering roots, nuts and wild fruits. They became experienced at finding underground springs. As a consequence, the Kooris have been able to live for thousands of years in a desert land in which a foreigner would quickly die from lack of water and food.

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