People and Their Environment Canada (Ch. 6 Lesson 6)

People and Their Environment (Canada)

Discover the breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems of Canada's natural environment. From towering mountains to pristine lakes, explore the wonders of this vast country's natural landscapes and wildlife.

Canada's Shrinking Boreal Forest

The boreal forest, home to diverse wildlife and ecosystems, is shrinking due to logging, mining, and extraction activities. Only 10% of the forest is protected, endangering animal and plant populations. Old-growth forests, which have developed over a long period of time, are at high risk. Conservation groups urge the Canadian government to protect more of this vital natural resource.

Boreal Forest

Multiple Choice

What is the main reason for the shrinking of the boreal forest?

• Climate change

• Urbanization

• Logging, mining, and extraction activities

• Natural disasters

Shrinking Boreal Forest

Trivia: Logging, mining, and extraction activities are the main reason for the shrinking of the boreal forest. These activities contribute to deforestation, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity. The boreal forest plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and is home to many unique species. Conservation efforts are essential to protect this valuable ecosystem.

Did you know?

• The boreal forest is the largest land-based biome on Earth, covering about 30% of the planet's forested area.

• It is often referred to as the 'lungs of the Earth' due to its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

• The forest provides habitat for numerous species, including iconic animals like the Canadian lynx, gray wolf, and moose.

Types of Animals in Boreal Forest

Canada's Natural Environment

• Old-growth forests: Rare and in need of protection

• Wetlands: Home to diverse plant and animal species, at risk of destruction

• Overfishing: Threatens fish species and fishing industries

• Hydroelectricity: Low-cost renewable energy source, but damming raises environmental concerns

• Tar sands extraction: Contributes to climate change through energy-intensive processes

Human Impact on Canada's Environment

Human activities such as overfishing, logging, mining, and industrial pollution have seriously harmed Canada's environment. Acid rain, caused by burning fossil fuels, pollutes water systems and damages timber resources. Water pollution from waste disposal affects plants, animals, and humans. The Canadian government is addressing these issues through provincial laws and international agreements like the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Multiple Choice

What are some human activities that have seriously harmed Canada's environment?

• Overfishing and logging

• Mining and industrial pollution

• Burning fossil fuels and waste disposal

• All of the above

Human Activities and Canada's Environment

Trivia: Overfishing, logging, mining, industrial pollution, burning fossil fuels, and waste disposal are some human activities that have seriously harmed Canada's environment. These activities have led to the depletion of fish populations, deforestation, water pollution, air pollution, and climate change. It is crucial to address these issues to protect Canada's natural resources and ecosystems.

Exploring Renewable Energy

The Canadian government is exploring wind and solar power as renewable energy sources. These options are being explored in the southern provinces. Hydroelectricity, which currently produces more than half of Canada's electricity, is also being considered. However, the limited availability of suitable locations and the potential harm to ecosystems are challenges to overcome.

Multiple Choice

What are some challenges to overcome in exploring wind and solar power as renewable energy sources in the southern provinces of Canada?

• Limited availability of suitable locations

• Potential harm to ecosystems

• High cost of implementation

• Lack of public support

Challenges in Southern Canada

• Limited availability of suitable locations: Finding appropriate sites for wind and solar power can be difficult in the southern provinces of Canada.

• Potential harm to ecosystems: The exploration of wind and solar power may have negative impacts on local ecosystems.

• High cost of implementation: The installation and maintenance of wind and solar power systems can be expensive.

• Lack of public support: Some people may not fully support the use of wind and solar power as renewable energy sources.

Multiple Choice

Elevation above which it is too cold for trees to grow in

• tree threshold
• tree boundary
• Timberline

• tree limit

Multiple Choice

 A seasonal warm wind that blows down the Rockies in late winter and early Spring

• Chinook
• Tornado
• Monsoon
• Typhoon

Multiple Choice

What are the tar sands in Canada?

• Large deposits of crude oil mixed with sand, clay, and water

• Extensive deposits of coal
• Abundant reserves of crude oil
• Vast reserves of natural gas

Multiple Choice

What is a description of a fishery?

• A fishery is a place where fish are caught, processed, and sold.
• A fishery is a place where fish are protected and conserved.
• A fishery is a place where fish are used for recreational purposes.
• A fishery is a place where fish are bred and raised.

Multiple Choice

What is a negative result of overfishing in a specific area?

• No impact on fish population and ecosystem
• Decrease in fish population and ecosystem disruption
• Improvement in fish population and ecosystem health
• Increase in fish population and ecosystem stability

Multiple Choice

Among the ocean currents that play a major role in Canada’s climates is the warm, northward-flowing current known as the

• Gulf Stream
• California Current
• Kuroshio Current
• North Atlantic Drift

Multiple Choice

The ________, the indigenous people of the Canadian Arctic, were once known as Eskimos.

• Inuit
• Aboriginals
• Maori
• Sami

Multiple Choice

Some of Canada’s leading exports include automobiles, auto parts, crude petroleum, natural gas, and

• Forestry products

• Textiles

• Chemical Products

• Foods

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the spoken languages in Canada?

• English and the language of the Inuit are dominant.

• English and French are the two official languages.

• French is the official, dominant language.

• French, German, and English are the main languages.

Draw

Draw a representation of the Continental Divide to the best of your ability

Multiple Choice

As of 2011, only 10 percent of Canada’s ________ was federally protected.

• Fishing ecosystem

• Tributary system

• Salmon population

• Boreal Forest