Understanding the Makuru Season

What are the typical weather conditions during the Makuru season?

• Hot and dry with strong easterly winds.

• Cold and wet with strong south-westerly winds.

• Mild and sunny with light breezes.

• Warm and humid with frequent thunderstorms.

How do some birds, like ravens and swans, behave during the Makuru season?

• They migrate to warmer climates.

• They become very active, searching for new food sources.

• They start pairing up, collecting nesting materials, and swans become flightless.

• They hibernate to conserve energy.

How do some plants adapt to the cold conditions of the Makuru season?

• They grow new, tender leaves to absorb more sunlight.

• They "hunker down" by making leaves older and leathery, while some other plants start to bud and flower.

• They shed all their leaves to conserve water.

• They produce large, colorful flowers to attract pollinators.

What is a key difference between the Nyoongar understanding of seasons and the four seasons (summer, winter, autumn, spring)?

• Nyoongar seasons are based on calendar dates, while the four seasons are based on weather patterns.

• Nyoongar seasons are based on observations of nature and local changes, while the four seasons are from the Northern Hemisphere.

• Nyoongar seasons only apply to coastal areas, while the four seasons apply everywhere.

• Nyoongar seasons are only about temperature, while the four seasons include rainfall.

Which animal is known to become more visible or active during the Makuru season?

• Snakes, as they come out to bask in the sun.

• Kangaroos, as they begin to breed.

• Ducks, as they start nesting near wetlands.

• Possums, as they migrate to new territories.

What natural sign indicates the arrival of the Makuru season in the Nyoongar calendar?

• The lengthening of daylight hours.

• The return of migratory fish to rivers.

• The appearance of morning frost and increased rainfall.

• The blooming of wildflowers.

How do Nyoongar people traditionally use the changes in animal behavior during Makuru?

• To celebrate the end of the year.

• To determine the best time for planting crops.

• To know when to move camps and gather specific foods.

• To predict the coming of summer storms.

Draw a symbol that represents the season of Makuru

Answer explanation

Some things you may have drawn could be clouds, wind, rain, pairs of birds - anything 'wintery'.

Which season, also known as 'first spring', follows Makuru?