FOR1020 Forest Ecology In Regions Of Canada

Introductory · 1 credit · NAT - Natural Resources

Description: Students investigate forest ecosystems and explain the structure and function of trees in relation to life processes. Students also learn to identify factors that determine the distribution of forests, as well as research forest regions of Canada with an emphasis on specific species.
Prerequisite: None
Parameters: Access to relevant government and library resources.

Outcomes The student will:

1 describe the structural units of trees and their function in performing life processes
- 1.1 explain the vital life processes performed by trees and other forest plants; e.g., nutrient intake and transportation, photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration, reproduction, phrenology (leaf flushings, leaf fall, flowering and cone production)
- 1.2 describe structural units and component parts of trees, e.g., root, trunk/stem, leaf, flower, and their role in performing vital life processes
2 describe the interrelationships among elements in the forest ecosystem
- 2.1 define and provide examples of: ecology/ecosystems, abiotic/biotic factors, abiotic/biotic interactions, populations, communities and succession
- 2.2 identify living and nonliving elements within a local forest ecosystem; e.g., soil characteristics, land form, climate, flora and fauna, soil organisms
3 explore the various elements that affect the health of a forest
- 3.1 explain why the biggest key to a forest’s health is diversity, considering a variety of:
  - 3.1.1 plants
  - 3.1.2 animals
  - 3.1.3 microorganisms
  - 3.1.4 natural processes; e.g., fire, climate
- 3.2 describe how a tree’s life span is impacted by native and non-native:
  - 3.2.1 weeds
  - 3.2.2 pests
  - 3.2.3 diseases
4 define and compare angiosperms (broadleaf forest) and gymnosperms (conifer, montane or needleleaf forests)
5 locate and describe the forest regions of Canada
- 5.1 explain the need for categorizing forest types
- 5.2 locate and describe the following eight forest regions of Canada:
  - 5.2.1 Boreal
  - 5.2.2 Subalpine
  - 5.2.3 Montane
  - 5.2.4 Coast
  - 5.2.5 Columbia
  - 5.2.6 Deciduous
  - 5.2.7 Great Lakes/St. Lawrence
  - 5.2.8 Acadian
- 5.3 read and interpret visual representations of forest region distribution in Canada
6 identify factors that affect the development of forests and determine the distribution of forest regions, considering climate, topography/geology, soil classifications, natural activity (e.g., fire, disease) and human activity
7 identify common trees and other flora that grow in specific regions of Canada; e.g., tree and shrubs identification, non-woody plant identification, commercial species
8 identify and classify various provincial flora samples (e.g., trees, shrubs and non-woody plants) from their parts (e.g., leaves, flowers/cones, twigs, bark) using identification keys
9 demonstrate basic competencies
- 9.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
  - 9.1.1 communicate
  - 9.1.2 manage information
  - 9.1.3 use numbers
  - 9.1.4 think and solve problems
- 9.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
  - 9.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
  - 9.2.2 be responsible
  - 9.2.3 be adaptable
  - 9.2.4 learn continuously
  - 9.2.5 work safely
- 9.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
  - 9.3.1 work with others
  - 9.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
10 make personal connections to the cluster content and processes to inform possible pathway choices
- 10.1 complete/update a personal inventory; e.g., interests, values, beliefs, resources, prior learning and experiences
- 10.2 create a connection between a personal inventory and occupational choices