1. Lesson 6 – Canadian Biomes

2. 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

3. 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
Abiotic
Biotic
Low temperatures for most of the year
Low diversity
Short growing season
Rapid-flowering plants
Permafrost layer beneath soil
Mosses and lichens
Precipitation from 0 to 25 cm/year
Caribou
Poor soil quality
Ptarmigan
Lemmings
Arctic foxes

4. Tundra Plants
Rapid-flowering plants

5. Tundra Plants
Lichen

6. Tundra Plants
Mosses

7. Tundra Animals
Caribou

8. Tundra Animals
Ptarmigan

9. Tundra Animals
Lemmings

10. Tundra Animals
Arctic fox

11. Tundra Animals
Snowy Owl

12. 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

13. Boreal Forest Plants
Coniferous Trees – Spruce, Pine, Fir

14. Boreal Forest Animals
Seed-Eating Birds

15. Boreal Forest Animals
Squirrels

16. Boreal Forest Animals
Voles

17. Boreal Forest Animals
Snowshoe Hares

18. Boreal Forest Animals
Black Bears

19. Boreal Forest Animals
Pine Martens

20. Boreal Forest Animals
Grey Wolves

21. 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

22. Mountain Forest Plants
Large coniferous trees
Ferns

23. Mountain Forest Animals
Squirrels
Marmots

24. Mountain Forest Animals
Elk

25. Mountain Forest Animals
Black Bears
Grizzly Bears

26. Mountain Forest Animals
Cougars

27. 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

28. Grassland Plants
Fescue Grasses

29. Grassland Plants
Wheat

30. Grassland Animals
Voles and mice
Grasshoppers

31. Grassland Animals
Bison

32. Grassland Animals
Snakes

33. Grassland Animals
Hawks

34. Grassland Animals
Coyotes

35. 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

36. Temperate Deciduous Plants
Deciduous Trees

37. Temperate Deciduous Plants
Flowering Plants

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

39. Temperate Deciduous Animals
Hummingbirds

40. Temperate Deciduous Animals
Weasels

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