10/8/2014
SYSTEM THINKING:
WHY STUDY CANADA’S ECOZONES?
Ecozones in Canada
Canada’s Ecozones
Ecology
- the study of living things & how they relate to
each other & the environment
Ecologist
- one who studies ecology (e.g. biologist)
Ecological disaster
- a drastic problem or change in a region of the
environment
What is an Ecozone?
Ecozone- regions or areas of Canada, which are
grouped as separate ecological zones based on the
way geologic, landform, soil, vegetation, climate,
weather, water, wildlife, and human factors are
inter-related with each other.
Change in one part of the system will result in
adjustment in the rest of the system. For example, a
shift in the temperature within an ecosystem will affect
the growth of plants which will in turn affect animals’
ability to obtain food.
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10/8/2014
Canada’s Ecozones
Why Have or Study Ecozones?
The idea of dividing Canada into ecozones is fairly
recent. The first ecozone map was published in
1986. The term bioregion is used like ecozone in
the U.S.
To study Canada in more detail, there are smaller
regions called ecoregions, ecoprovinces, and
ecodistricts that you can use.
How many ecozones is just right? Enough to be
accurate, but few to keep confusion to a minimum.
Scientists decided on 15 ecozones as a
compromise. There are also 5 marine ecozones
that cover the oceans the surround Canada.
Why Have or Study Ecozones?
* Ecozones allow anyone to easily compare and
contrast any two (or more) regions of Canada
for any number of reasons.
* Ecozones are constantly changing and will
continue to grow/ shrink & change.
* Ecozones help you understand Canada better.
* They allow you to combine and relate
information easily.
Examples of why you might study ecozones:
* Considering where to live/ work
* To open a new business
* Study goods and services
* Trying to understand transportation
* Conducting governmental studies
* Where to take a vacation
OVERVIEW:
Why Study Canada’s Ecozones?
SHOWYOUKNOW
1. What is an ecozone?
2. a) Which ecozone do you live in?
b) List three (3) ways that humans interact with
the environment in your ecozone.
3. If you could live in a different Canadian
ecozone, which one would you chose?
Explain your answer.
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