SS10 – Horizons Chpt 3 (4)
Natural Regions of Western Canada
Directions: Read pages 108-114 in your text Horizons: Canada Moves West
1. On a separate piece of paper, provide definitions for the following terms; biome an ecological community of plants and animals extending over a large area interdependent -being dependent on each other system -a group of things that interact with each other and together form a whole coniferous -an evergreen tree humus erosion
-the remains of decomposing plants in the soil
-the wearing away be action of wind, water, or ice treeline -the upper limit of tree growth on a mountain
2. On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions using COMPLETE
SENTENCES; a.
In your own words, describe the differences between the terms “natural
environment”, “biomes” and “ecosystems”. (2 mks for identification of the 3 terms and quality of description)
-Natural environment is the conditions under which plants and animals live in relation to each other and with the non-living parts of the environment
-biomes are large ecosystems, each with its own characteristic type of vegetation and animal species
-ecosystem are natural areas where the life cycles of plants animals and other organisms are linked to each other and to their physical surroundings.
A natural environment contains biomes, which contain ecosystems. b.
In your own words, describe the differences between a Boreal Forest and
Coastal Forests. ( 2 mks for quality of response and inclusion of details)
-boreal forest contain coniferous trees (spruce, fir, pine) that grow in poor ‘podzol’ soil that is acidic and not fertile because it has small amounts of humus.
-coastal forests are rain forests, but contain coniferous trees (cedar, douglas fir, hemlock) that are huge because of abundant rainfall and mild temperatures. They grow in soil similar to boreal forests. c.
In your own words, describe the Prairie region of Western Canada. (2 mks for quality of response and inclusion of details)
-grasslands that have good ‘chernozem’ soils. No mountains here! Although there are some remnants of the front edges of the rockies.

d.
In your own words, describe the interior mountain region of Western Canada. (2 mks for description and example)
-meadows, plateaus, and mountains located in the interior of BC. There are many soil types but the meadows are high and produce tundra. Some grassland areas have prairie soils and are productive.
3. Draw in, color AND label the different natural regions of Western
Canada. Use the map found on page 109 of your text as a reference. You will receive 5 marks for correct labeling and 5 marks for quality of work
(neatness, spelling, coloring, etc..) for a total of 10 marks.
Total: ____/ 25