CG 120 Natural Resources Assignment
In order to complete this assignment, be sure to use the suggested websites listed as well as ones
referred to you throughout the content of this unit in the course. Many parts of any assignment will require
significant Internet research as well.
1. What is an “ecozone” and why are they important?
2. What are the main differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary industries? Provide an
example for each.
3. a. Explain the difference between a renewable and non-renewable resource, providing
examples.
b. Although renewable resources are replaced, they can be depleted. Explain with
examples.
4. How does forest region classification differ to ecozone classification?
5. Identify two predominant tree species for each of the eight forest regions in Canada.
6. a. Why is the forestry industry, in general, important to Canada? (see
http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/pages/121)
b. Why is the “Boreal Forest” in particular so important to Canada?
7. Revisit the StatsCan link given at the bottom of Module 4 page 8. Create a bar graph showing the
general increase in the total dollar value generated by forest products industries between 1961
and 2007. Give possible reasons why the total began to decrease after 2004.
8. Review the video, ‘Harvesting Practices in Canada’s Boreal Forest”, found via the last link on
Module 4 page 9. Discuss the scientific basis for the harvesting systems used in Canada’s Boreal
Forest (include silviculture, and rationales for clear cutting, taking only the “interest” and “useful”
fires).
Agricultural Resources’
9. Identify the four agricultural areas of Canada and list their main types of products. State one
interesting comment about each region.
Agricultural Region
Important Agricultural
Products
Comment
1.
2.
3.
4.
10. According to the “New Crops for Canadian Agriculture” website, what are the three factors that
determine what crop should be grown, where and when?
11. How have agricultural products changed in recent times? (see the 3rd link on Module 4 page 12,
StatsCan Snapshot of Agriculture in Canada)
Fishing
12. Identify the three fishing areas of Canada, listing their main species. State two interesting
comments about each region.
Fishing Region
Important Fish
Species
Comments
13. Go to the StatsCan table on the “Landed Catch and Value” link, Module 4 page 14.
a. What has occurred in terms of dollar values from the landed catch over the time period
between 1990 and 2009?
b. Which fish species have been harvested more and more over that time period?
14. What is a “fishery-reliant community” (provide some details) and where are they found in
Canada?
15. What is being done in Canada to ensure a sustainable fishery is maintained for future
generations? Discuss several points.
Minerals
16. a. Where are most of Canada’s mines located?
b. What are the most common minerals mined in this country, and what are they used for?
c. Do you think mining is important in Atlantic Canada? Explain.
17. According to the Mining Association of Canada, how does mining contribute to Canada’s
economy?
18. What is the “Green Mining Initiative”, according to Natural Resources Canada? View the link to
the video from your notes and write ¼ page of information regarding this program.
19. Canada has an abundance of fresh water, but without management strategies, this resource can
be depleted.
a. What do we use water for in Canada? Some details please! (This may help:
http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/freshwater/consumption/1)
b. How can we ensure that a clean, dependable water resource lasts for generations to come?
Provide at least three suggestions. Cite your sources.
20. Compare the regional water issues (link on Module 4 page 24) between New Brunswick and
Nunavut. Explain each issue very briefly.
21. Should we sell our water? State your position and defend it in not more than ½ page. Cite your
sources.
22. In no more than one page, respond to one of the sustainability questions on page 27.
23. Interpret the “Ecological Footprint vs. Biocapacity” graph found via the last link on Module 4 page
28.