Soil & Vegetation Online Assignment
Complete the following assignment using the links provided.
Questions include fill-in-the-blank, short answer, and true/false.
SOIL:
Using the following 3 links, answer the following questions that relate to ‘Soil’
http://www.envirothon.org/pdf/CG/Why_Soil_is_Important.pdf
http://earth911.com/recycling/garden/dirt/facts-about-dirt/
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-about-the-soil.html
1. In one gram of soil, __________ to __________ different species of bacteria can be
found.
2. Soil is a non-renewable resource. It takes nature more than __________ years to create
___________ inch of topsoil.
3. More than half of the trash a family throws away every year, about __________, is
organic matter that could be __________ into fertile soil.
4. Contaminated soil cannot as effectively remove __________ from the atmosphere,
produce the __________ we need, keep our __________ clean and sustain the food
__________ that is dependent on it.
5. Soil is a __________ natural resource. This should make us think of how much we value
this resource. __________ to the soil can disturb nature’s __________ and prove a
threat to life.
6. Finish this quote by Greek philosopher Xenophanes: “For all things come from earth,
_____________________________________________________________________”
7. Explain why Soil in its various forms plays a major role in our lives? (3 Marks)
8. What are the 4 components discussed in class that make up soil?
1.
2.
3.
4.
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
9. Research and explain the difference between ‘leaching’ and ‘calcification’ (You may
have to use sites other than those provided!)
VEGETATION:
Using the following 3 links, answer the following questions that relate to ‘Soil’
http://www.schs.ca/files/book-attachments/782/ch-12-13-canadas-ecozones-vegetation.pdf
http://www.athropolis.com/arctic-facts/fact-plants-survive.htm
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/vegetation-regions
1. What are the seven Natural Vegetation Regions of Canada?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
2. This Natural Vegetation Region is located above the tree line: __________
3. This Natural Vegetation Region contains the most fertile soils of Eastern Canada:
__________
4. Heavy rainfall and a mild climate provide excellent growing conditions for the tress and
temperate rainforest of this Natural Vegetation Region: __________
5. This climate is too dry for most species of trees but is well suited for grass: __________
6. This is the largest vegetation region in Canada: __________
7. Vegetation regions are geographical areas characterized by __________ communities
8. Only __________ and __________ have more forests than Canada.
9. Explain how plants survive through harsh conditions of the Canadian Arctic? (3 Marks)
TRUE OR FALSE:
1. There are more living micro-organisms in a tablespoon of healthy soil than there are
people on earth?
2. 40% of the weight of a text book or glossy paged magazine is soil?
3. The topmost layer of soil is called subsoil?
4. Clay, Sand and Silt are three types of soil?
5. Humus is soil’s bottommost layer and appears light in colour?
6. The majority of Canada’s forest areas are coniferous.
7. The arctic tundra is the second-largest vegetation region in the country.
8. Vegetation of the Canadian Cordillera is very diverse.