Canada’s EcozonesCanada’s Ecozones

ECOZONERegions based on unique

ecological characteristics.

Or

A large geographical area in which human activities interact with the natural world

ECOZONE Areas are grouped as separate ecological

zones based on the way geologic, landform, soil, vegetation, climate, water, wildlife, and human factor are linked to each other

If one part of the system is changed, then the rest of the system is changed

Ex. Temperature - affects growth of plants… affects animals’ ability to obtain food etc.

CANADA’S ECOZONES

Canada has 15 Ecozones

CANADA’S ECOZONESEcozones are defined by a

variety of physical and human conditions

Using ecozones to study the land helps us understand the INTERCONNECTIONS among natural and human systems

Natural Systems Are All Connected!

Boreal Shield EcozoneWe live in the Boreal Shield Ecozone

Area: 1 774 000 km2

Landforms: plains and low hills of the Canadian ShieldClimate: long winters (-15ºC) and short summers (17ºC)Vegetation: Coniferous (black spruce, white spruce, Jack pine,

balsam fir) mixed with deciduous (yellow birch, sugar maple, black ash)

Soils: Heavily leached soils; bare rock; swampy areasHuman activities: total population 1 695 000; GDP $49 billion;

forestry, mining tourism, recreation, trappingMajor Cities: St. John’s Chicoutimi, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay,