1. what would be a probable explanation for why there are many endemic plants and birds in new zealand, but no native mammals?

they were driven away by non-native mammals

plants and birds would make ocean crossings to the isolated new zealand island, mammals could not.

they were hunted to extinction by the moari

the island habitats were not conductive to mammalian life.

this is a good question! i'll do some research and come back when i have the answer!

the first phase of the government’s plan for settlement was building the transcontinental railroad. the railroad provided a way to bring settlers and manufactured goods west and ship their agricultural and mining produce east. the transcontinental railroad was an essential artery for rapid development of the frontier.

the second phase of the government’s plan was a liberal land distribution policy that made it possible for many people to homestead. with these two key elements—transportation and cheap land—the government rapidly achieved its goal of persuading people to move west, settle on farms, and push back the frontier.