Ecozones of Canada
Introduction:
Ecozones are a relatively new concept
allowing the study of the inter-relationships of
physical and human systems. They were developed in order to study regions in Canada more
accurately.
Before ecozones were invented, geoscientists measured and analyzed data from:
- political regions (provinces and territories)
- social regions (cultural and linguistic groups)
- physical characteristics (climate, landform or soil regions, etc.)
These studies concluded that the previous regions studied weren't
accurate enough for scientific and environmental studies. For example,
the damage caused by an oil spill in the St.Lawrence River would not be
contained within provincial or national boundaries; a watershed can cover
millions of kilometres of land. And so, the ecozones of Canada were invented.
What are ecozones?
Ecozones are regions that share a variety of characteristics, including:
- landforms
- climate
- human activities
- wildlife
- soils
- vegetation
An ecozone is different from other ecozones because of the combinations of the
above characteristics. For example, the prairie Ecozone and Montane Cordillera
Ecozones are located beside each other in the province of Alberta, but are
geographically very different. Examine the table below to see their differences.
Ecozones Comparison Organizer
Characteristics |
Prairie Ecozone |
Montane Cordillera Ecozone |
| Landforms | Flat to rolling plains | Mountains, plains and plateaus
|
| Vegetation | Short and long grass prairie
Few trees |
Depends on elevation
Mainly coniferous trees
|
Climate | Moderately long cold winters
Moderately warm summers |
Varies with latitude and elevation
Moderate winters and summers |
As you can see, there is quite a difference between these two ecozones.
They are distinct regions. It is also important to remember that there is a
transition zone between ecozones; a gradual environmental change.
The study of ecozones helps us understand the inter-relationships
between natural and human systems- humans are a
part of the Earth's ecosystem, not
separate from it.
Ecozones Map of Canada
Source: Environment Canada
http://www.ec.gc.ca/soer-ree/English/Framework/Nardesc/canada_e.cfm
Canada's Terrestrial Ecozones
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Ecozones Home
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