The environment can be broken down into some basic units: biomes, ecosystems and habitats.
A biome is like a city. Each city has unique characteristics, including the types of communities (ecosystems) and homes (habitats) that make it a city (biome).
Canada’s biomes include the Arctic, Boreal, Prairie, and the Atlantic Marine. Within these biomes are ecosystems made up of a distinct population of plants and animals. For example a freshwater aquatic ecosystem would contain a different assortment of life than a near by deciduous forest ecosystem.
Every ecosystem contains a number of different habitats. These habitats are the “homes” of the plant and animal species that live there.
Biomes, EcoSystems
and Habitats
A biome is like a city.
An ecosystem is like a community in a city. There are many ecosystems in a biome.
A habitat is like a home. There are many homes in an ecosystem.
Ecosystem and habitat loss is the biggest cause in biodiversity decline. People destroy habitats all the time; when they cut down forests, clear land for farming and build houses or roads. By destroying or splitting up natural areas we change the environment of the species that live there. These changes can force the animals, plants, and microorganisms to move or go extinct.
You can help by creating habitats in your backyard, schoolyard or community garden. Plant different kinds of vegetation (shrubs, trees, grasses, etc.) in clumps to make habitats for different insects and animals.
Environment/Climate
Water Facts
Seventy-five percent of the Earth’s surfaces is water. Of that water, 97% is salt water.
Of the 3% freshwater Only 1% is accessible (the rest is locked in underground aquifers and/or is frozen).
Canada has 20% of the world’s freshwater, even though a lot of it is locked away.
Biodiversity is essential in maintaining and balancing the environment we rely on to live. Without the various plant communities that provide us with essential biological services, we would be much less comfortable.
The following looks at the important role plants play in establishing a healthy environment.
How plants benefit the environment
Plants all over the world clean our air by removing the carbon dioxide from it and producing the oxygen that we need to breathe. By taking carbon dioxide out of the air plants also help decrease the risks of climate change.
Forests and wetlands also help us by filtering freshwater so we can use it again and again. This is very important because the world has a limited supply of freshwater.
Plants also help our environment by controlling flooding and mudslides. Plants help control flooding in two ways: the roots push the soil apart, letting the water soak into the ground easier; and they slow down the moving water, giving it more time to soak into the ground. Plants help control mudslides because their roots hold the dirt in place and help to keep it from sliding down a slope.
These are just two ways that plants help our environment from being damaged by weather. If you plant trees and shrubs on sloped areas you can help control flooding and mudslides too!
