Vegetation Regions of Canada

Question 1

Natural Vegetation refers to:

Answer 1

Plants that grow without any human interference (not cultivated food or used in industry)

Question 2

What 2 things are needed in order for plants to survive?

Answer 2

Moisture and heat

Question 3

What types of natural vegetation grow in drier climates?

Answer 3

small shrubs, cacti

Question 4

What types of natural vegetation grow in wetter climates?

Answer 4

Deciduous and coniferous trees.

Question 5

What are the 7 natural vegetation regions in Canada?

Answer 5

• Tundra
• Westcoast Forest
• Cordillian vegetation
• Boreal & Targa Forest
• Grassland
• Mixed Forest
• Deciduous Forest

Question 6

What is a “transition zone”?

Answer 6

When a vegetation region turns into another, this is the area that is a mixture of both regions.

Question 7

What is an example of a transition zone that is ALSO a vegetation region?

Answer 7

Mixed Forest

Question 8

Name 4 characteristics of the TUNDRA:

Answer 8

1. located above the tree line
2. most of the ground is frozen (permafrost)
3. due to the frozen land, water cannot drain, so the land gets waterlogged
4. only small shrubs and mosses grow

Question 9

Name 2 characteristics of WEST COAST FOREST:

Answer 9

1. heavy rainfall and mild climate create the conditions for excellent tree growth
2. large old growth forests (50 m high!) are found here

Question 10

Name 2 characteristics of the CORDILLERAN region:

Answer 10

1. Varied vegetation due to the wide range of temp, rainfall, soils and elevation
2. Usually coniferous trees and at higher altitudes will be small shrubs and mosses

Question 11

Name 2 characteristics of BOREAL AND TAIGA FOREST:

Answer 11

1. Largest vegetation region in Canada

2. Soil is very acidic (due to falling of needles) which makes it not great for agriculture

Question 12

Name 2 characteristics of GRASSLANDS:

Answer 12

1. Lack of rain and high levels of evaporation creates dry conditions
2. Due to lack of water, trees have a hard time growing here

Question 13

Name 4 characteristics of MIXED FOREST:

Answer 13

1. Transition Zone between boreal and deciduous forests
2. Has both deciduous and coniferous trees
3. Used in the logging industry (lots of trees)
4. Not much forest remains in the south because of roads, lumbering, farming and building

Question 14

Name 3 characteristics of DECIDUOUS FOREST:

Answer 14

1. Only in SW Ontario and has maples and leafy trees
2. Almost gone (urban development)
3. Hot summers, mild winters are perfect for hardwood trees (beech, maple, etc.)

Question 15

What is soil?

Answer 15

Loose material on the surface of the earth capable of supporting llife.

Question 16

What are the 4 components of soil?

Answer 16

minerals
organic material and bacteria
moisture
air

Question 17

Minerals in soil come from:

Answer 17

Parent material such as rock

Question 18

What decomposes plants and animals?

Answer 18

Bacteria in the soil

Question 19

What is the material called that emerges from decomposing organic material where nutrients are released?

Answer 19

humus

Question 20

What substance dissolves nutrients in the soil?

Answer 20

Water

Question 21

Why do high levels of humus make plants grow better?

Answer 21

Plants need air around their roots, and loose decaying materials in the soil leaves room for air pockets.

Question 22

What is “topsoil”?

Answer 22

The soil at the top that holds nutrients and moisture.

Question 23

What is “subsoil”?

Answer 23

Combined with the mineral layer and organic layer.

Question 24

What is “loam”?

Answer 24

A fertile type of soil containing clay or sand rich with humus.