Canadian Biomes

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Canadian Biomes

• AKA Our Home Native Land

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What is a biome?

• A biome is a collection of ecosystems that are
  similar, or related to one another, based on the
  types of plants they support.
• It is important to note that the plant-life that
  is found in a biome is the direct result of the
  climate that the region experiences so a biome
  will also have the same climatic features.
• Canada has four biomes within its borders.

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1. The Tundra Biome

• The tundra is located in the northernmost regions
  of Canada up near the North Pole in and
  around the Arctic circle.
• The climate is extremely cold which results in
  the freezing of the soil and the formation of the
  permafrost a soil layer that is frozen year
  round due to the cold.
• There is very little precipitation.
• Plants are few and far between. Those that can
  grow must grow and reproduce very rapidly in the
  short growing season. They are often very small
  plants that form roots in the active layer of the
  soil the thin layer on top of the permafrost.
• Few plants means few animals as plants are the
  food source for animals. Matter cycling is very
  slow due to extreme cold.
• Plants Lichens, mosses, shorter grasses and
  shrubs.
• Animals Polar bears, caribou, arctic foxes and
  ptarmigans.

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Tundra Pics
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2. The Boreal Forest

• The Boreal forest is located just south of the
  Tundra and is the largest biome in Canada.
• It has a very temperate climate hot summers and
  quite cold winters, but, no permafrost.
• It receives a fair amount of precipitation.
• Matter cycling is quick in hot but slows in cold.
• Dominant plant life are coniferous trees
  evergreens such as pine, fir and spruce. Their
  conical shape and needles allow them to cope very
  well in the boreal forest climate. (Cold, snow,
  acidic conditioning)
• Animals moose, bears, squirrels, rabbits, deer
  and birds. Higher biodiversity than the Tundra.

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Boreal Forest Pics
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3. Temperate Deciduous Forest

• The temperate deciduous forest is found only in
  the southern portion of Ontario and Quebec.
• It has a temperate climate hot summer and cold
  winter (but not as cold as boreal forest).
• Longest growing season and most precipitation of
  all Canadian biomes great for plants of all
  types which is great for many animals highest
  biodiversity.
• Higher temps and water result in rapid cycling of
  matter which results in rich fertile soil.
• Dominant plants are deciduous trees with broad
  flat leaves that maximize the great amount of
  sunlight that is offered. You will also find many
  ferns shrubs.
• Deciduous forest three layers canopy,
  understorey and litter.
• Animals Deer, insects, shrews, mice, bears,
  weasels, wolves and many birds.

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Deciduous Forest Pics
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4. The Grasslands Forest

• The grasslands are found in the southern regions
  of the prairie provinces.
• The climate is temperate with a long growing
  season.
• It receives a fair amount of precipitation but
  not as much as the deciduous forest.
• Matter cycling is very fast result is
  incredibly fertile, black soil.
• Biodiversity is at a good level, but, not near
  the level of the deciduous forest.
• Dominant plants are grasses (not enough water for
  trees).
• Animals Bison, prairie dogs, voles, mice,
  hawks, wolves, snakes and insects.

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Grasslands Pics
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The Overall Picture
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• THE END!!!