Terrestrial ecozones Flashcards
Landform and Climate: This ecozone features rugged mountains, deep fjords, and islands. The climate is polar, with extremely cold temperatures and long, harsh winters, making it one of the most challenging environments in Canada.
Plants and Wildlife: Due to the extreme conditions, the vegetation is sparse and consists mainly of mosses, lichens, and hardy shrubs. Wildlife includes polar bears, caribou, arctic foxes, and numerous seabirds.
Human Activity: Human activity is limited due to the remote and harsh conditions. Indigenous communities practice traditional hunting and fishing to sustain themselves.
Arctic Cordillera
Landform and Climate:
Flat, low-lying terrain shaped by glacial deposits; subarctic climate with short summers and long winters.
Plants and Wildlife:
Sparse vegetation of lichens and mosses, with black spruce and tamarack; home to caribou, moose, black bears, and diverse waterfowl.
Human Activities:
Historical indigenous practices of hunting and trapping; minimal modern activities due to harsh conditions; conservation efforts in place.
Hudsons plains
Landform and Climate: This ecozone comprises mountainous terrain with alpine and boreal climates.
Plants and Wildlife: Coniferous and hardwood forests are common, and the region supports mountain goats, grizzly bears, and various bird species.
Human Activity: Economic activities in this ecozone include tourism, forestry, and resource development in mountainous and forested areas.
Montane cordillera
Landform and Climate: The ecozone is characterized by rugged coastlines, temperate rainforests, and a wet, mild maritime climate.
Plants and Wildlife: Giant cedar and spruce trees are prevalent, and the region is home to black bears, bald eagles, and various marine life, including salmon.
Human Activity: Fishing, forestry, and tourism are significant industries. Coastal communities are vital in this region.
Pacific Maritime
Landform and Climate: This ecozone features mountainous terrain with boreal forests and a subarctic climate.
Plants and Wildlife: Coniferous forests, mountain goats, wolves, and various bird species inhabit the region.
Human Activity: Economic activities encompass tourism, forestry, and resource extraction, particularly in mountainous and forested areas.
Boreal Cordillera
Landform and Climate: This ecozone is characterized by rugged mountains and boreal forests, with a subarctic climate featuring cold winters and short, cool summers.
Plants and Wildlife: Coniferous forests, mountain goats, grizzly bears, and various bird species are common in this region.
Human Activity: Key industries include tourism, outdoor recreation, and resource development, particularly in mountainous areas.
Taiga Cordillera
Landform and Climate: Features flat prairies with a semi-arid to sub-humid climate, known for its wide-open spaces.
Plants and Wildlife: The predominant vegetation is grasslands, providing a habitat for bison, pronghorns, and various bird species.
Human Activity: Agriculture, ranching, and oil and gas extraction are prominent industries in this region.
Prairies
Landform and Climate: The land consists of flat plains, wetlands, and a subarctic to boreal climate.
Plants and Wildlife: Coniferous forests are common, and the region supports wildlife such as bison, wolves, and various bird species.
Human Activity: Key economic activities involve agriculture, forestry, and resource development.
Boreal Plains
Landform and Climate: This ecozone comprises rolling hills, rivers, and a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers.
Plants and Wildlife: The region boasts mixed forests of both deciduous and coniferous trees. Wildlife includes squirrels, chipmunks, and a variety of songbirds.
Human Activity: Urban areas like Toronto and Montreal are prominent, and key economic activities include agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.
Mixedwood plains
Landform and Climate: The ecozone features rugged coastlines, bays, and a maritime climate characterized by mild winters and cool summers.
Plants and Wildlife: Coniferous and hardwood forests are prevalent, and the region is home to seals, puffins, and various fish species.
Human Activity: Fishing, aquaculture, and tourism are major industries, supporting coastal communities.
Atlantic Maritime
Landform and Climate: This ecozone is characterized by rugged shield terrain with a subarctic to boreal climate.
Plants and Wildlife: Coniferous forests are prevalent, supporting wildlife like moose, wolves, and various bird species.
Human Activity: Economic activities include mining, forestry, and the presence of Indigenous communities that practice traditional ways of life.
Boreal shield
Landform and Climate: The landform is rugged shield terrain with a subarctic climate.
Plants and Wildlife: Coniferous forests are dominant, providing a habitat for caribou, lynx, beavers, and various bird species.
Human Activity: Mining, forestry, and the presence of Indigenous communities, practicing their traditional ways of life, are notable.
Taiga Shield
Landform and Climate: The ecozone is characterized by flat boreal forests, wetlands, and a subarctic climate with cold winters and short, cool summers.
Plants and Wildlife: The predominant vegetation includes coniferous trees, such as spruce and pine. Wildlife includes moose, black bears, and various bird species.
Human Activity: Forestry, trapping, and traditional indigenous practices are the primary human activities in this region.
Taiga Plains
Landform and Climate: The ecozone is characterized by flat boreal forests, wetlands, and a subarctic climate with cold winters and short, cool summers.
Plants and Wildlife: The predominant vegetation includes coniferous trees, such as spruce and pine. Wildlife includes moose, black bears, and various bird species.
Human Activity: Forestry, trapping, and traditional indigenous practices are the primary human activities in this region.
Southern Arctic
Landform and Climate: The land is characterized by flat tundra, permafrost, and an Arctic climate with very cold temperatures. Winters are long and frigid.
Plants and Wildlife: Vegetation primarily consists of mosses, lichens, and hardy shrubs. Wildlife includes caribou, muskoxen, and numerous migratory birds.
Human Activity: Indigenous communities in this region rely primarily on traditional hunting, fishing, and trapping for their subsistence.
Northern Arctic
