Final answer:
Oceania's three main island types are high islands, low islands, and continental islands. High islands are typically volcanic, while low islands are made of coral. Continental islands are part of continental shelves, with Australia being a prime example.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oceania includes three kinds of islands: high islands, low islands, and continental islands. High islands, such as those in Polynesia, are typically volcanic in origin and feature mountainous terrain that can reach impressive elevations like the Hawaiian mountains, rising over 13,800 feet. Low islands are often composed of coral and have low elevations, sometimes just a few feet above sea level, which can lead to a scarcity of freshwater. The third kind, continental islands, are landmasses that are part of a continental shelf, like Australia in Australasia, which also includes the island of Papua New Guinea and neighboring islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Micronesia is characterized largely by low islands, while Melanesia includes larger, high-elevation islands from Papua New Guinea to Fiji. The region's physical geography significantly influences the availability of resources, which in turn affects the cultural dynamics and economic conditions of indigenous and modern populations. Throughout Oceania, the imprint of both Indigenous cultural heritage and Western influence is evident, reflecting the diverse realities of these Pacific Island communities.