Definitions
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.
- An island of the southern Indian Ocean near the coast of Antarctica. First discovered by an American navigator in 1853, it was placed under Australian administration in 1947.
Etymologies
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Examples
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After the discovery of Heard Island in 1853 there was a rush to harvest its elephant seals until they were on the brink of extinction.
Exploration of the Antarctic in the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century 2009
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Measurements between 1947 and 1980 suggest that glacial retreat has been marked on Heard Island, particularly on the eastern flanks.
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The principal vegetation communities on Heard Island are tussock grassland, herbfield, and feldmark, with smaller areas of meadow, pool complex and cushion carpet.
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The sealers 'sites on Heard Island are the best preserved in the region.
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Heard Island and the McDonald Islands are a classic example of a subantarctic island group with low species diversity, but huge populations of certain species.
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The first sighting of Heard Island is attributed to the British captain, Peter Kemp, in 1833, although discovery is also attributed to the American captain Heard of the Oriental in 1853, who first published information on the island's geography and location.
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Heard Island and McDonald Islandsdefense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols
Military-note 2008
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Sealing gangs occupied Heard Island almost continuously for 20 years following the first landing in 1855, thereafter sporadically until 1929.
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Heard Island and McDonald Islandstotal: 412 sq km land: 412 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area 2008
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Birds of Heard Island: a review of recent literature.
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