Vegetation in the Taiga Shield
The Taiga Shield ecozone consists of 4 main types of trees: Black spruce, Jack pine, paper birch and trembling aspen.
Surprisingly enough, the Taiga Shield is the largest vegetation region in all of Canada, the Taiga and the Boreal Forest. These areas are separated from the arctic ecozones by the distinct treeline located above the northern boundary. This treeline runs along the northern boundary of this ecozone starting from western Canada. However, north of the treeline, trees are not capable of growing because of the unbelievably cold and dry climates.
The picture to the right shows the distinct transition from taiga to tundra. >>>
Most or almost all of the vegetation in the Taiga Shield is characterized by patchwork of meadows, wetlands, evergreen forests and some shrublands. Moreover, in the central zone of the shield, are several stunted jack pine and blank spruce trees accompanied by tamarack, alder and willows which are found in fens and bogs. Trees species such as balsam fir, white spruce and trembling aspen are commonly found along streams and rivers toward the upland sites. In the shrubland areas, mosses, lichens and other ground-hugging plants are usually found.
Considering the fact that some tough deciduous trees can be found further down south, evergreens or coniferous trees are known to survive these relatively harsh climates and thus, are seen a lot throughout the bottom region of the ecozone. Conifers are suitable also with the Taiga Shield climate because their sap acts an antifreeze for the needles. So they are able to easily take out nutrients from poor soil. Additionally, the needles are capable of conducting photosynthesis, but obviously on warmer than usual days.
Forest fires are a common problem in the shield because not only do they destroy vast areas of forests but they also threaten human activity. Forest fires are always a safe distance away from a settlement or an urban area. People have chosen to stay further away from the forest, as this is just one factor of their decision.
The picture to the below shows the typical vegetation found in the Taiga Shield
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Surprisingly enough, the Taiga Shield is the largest vegetation region in all of Canada, the Taiga and the Boreal Forest. These areas are separated from the arctic ecozones by the distinct treeline located above the northern boundary. This treeline runs along the northern boundary of this ecozone starting from western Canada. However, north of the treeline, trees are not capable of growing because of the unbelievably cold and dry climates.
The picture to the right shows the distinct transition from taiga to tundra. >>>
Most or almost all of the vegetation in the Taiga Shield is characterized by patchwork of meadows, wetlands, evergreen forests and some shrublands. Moreover, in the central zone of the shield, are several stunted jack pine and blank spruce trees accompanied by tamarack, alder and willows which are found in fens and bogs. Trees species such as balsam fir, white spruce and trembling aspen are commonly found along streams and rivers toward the upland sites. In the shrubland areas, mosses, lichens and other ground-hugging plants are usually found.
Considering the fact that some tough deciduous trees can be found further down south, evergreens or coniferous trees are known to survive these relatively harsh climates and thus, are seen a lot throughout the bottom region of the ecozone. Conifers are suitable also with the Taiga Shield climate because their sap acts an antifreeze for the needles. So they are able to easily take out nutrients from poor soil. Additionally, the needles are capable of conducting photosynthesis, but obviously on warmer than usual days.
Forest fires are a common problem in the shield because not only do they destroy vast areas of forests but they also threaten human activity. Forest fires are always a safe distance away from a settlement or an urban area. People have chosen to stay further away from the forest, as this is just one factor of their decision.
The picture to the below shows the typical vegetation found in the Taiga Shield
| | |
V V V