Lesson 6 Canadian Biomes Biomes Biomes large geographical

Lesson 6 – Canadian Biomes

Biomes • Biomes – large geographical regions that have a similar climate and a specific set of biotic and abiotic features • Similar ecosystems fit into the same biome • Earth has many biomes with recognizable ecosystems – desert, coral reef, tundra, tropical rainforest, etc. • Canada has five major terrestrial biomes

Tundra Biome • Cold, barren biome in northernmost part of Canada • Low temperatures for most of the year • Short growing season • Permafrost layer beneath soil • Precipitation from 0 to 25 cm/year • Poor soil quality • Low diversity

Tundra Plants • Rapid-flowering plants

Tundra Plants • Lichen

Tundra Plants • Mosses

Tundra Animals • Caribou

Tundra Animals • Ptarmigan

Tundra Animals • Lemmings

Tundra Animals • Arctic fox

Tundra Animals • Snowy Owl

Boreal Forest Biome • • • Largest biome in Canada Warmer than tundra No permafrost Changeable weather Precipitation 40 cm/year or more Soil contains some water and is acidic

Boreal Forest Plants • Coniferous Trees – Spruce, Pine, Fir

Boreal Forest Animals • Seed-Eating Birds

Boreal Forest Animals • Squirrels

Boreal Forest Animals • Voles

Boreal Forest Animals • Snowshoe Hares

Boreal Forest Animals • Black Bears

Boreal Forest Animals • Pine Martens

Boreal Forest Animals • Grey Wolves

Mountain Forest Biome Located on west coast of Canada Temperatures vary with elevation Cool summers Windy conditions Heavy precipitation on windward side of mountains • Fast-flowing rivers • • •

Mountain Forest Plants • Large coniferous trees • Ferns

Mountain Forest Animals • Squirrels • Marmots

Mountain Forest Animals • Elk

Mountain Forest Animals • Black Bears • Grizzly Bears

Mountain Forest Animals • Cougars

Grassland Biome • Dry, hot summers lead to fires, which help maintain grassland by slowing tree growth • Longer growing season than boreal forest • Higher temperatures than tundra or boreal forest • Precipitation from 25 to 75 cm/year • Rich, fertile soil

Grassland Plants • Fescue Grasses

Grassland Plants • Wheat

Grassland Animals • Voles and mice • Grasshoppers

Grassland Animals • Bison

Grassland Animals • Snakes

Grassland Animals • Hawks

Grassland Animals • Coyotes

Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome • Great variety of deciduous trees and animals • Longer growing season than boreal forest • Higher temperatures than tundra or boreal forest • Precipitation up to 100 cm/year • Fertile soil

Temperate Deciduous Plants • Deciduous Trees

Temperate Deciduous Plants • Flowering Plants

Temperate Deciduous Animals • • • Squirrels Shrews and Mice Black Bears Many Insects Deer

Temperate Deciduous Animals • Hummingbirds

Temperate Deciduous Animals • Weasels

Canada’s Biomes Mountain Forest Tundra Boreal Forest Grassland Temperate Deciduous Forest