Vegetation (Geo, 2)

What is natural vegetation?

Plants that grow/mix naturally without human help.

Tundra vegetation?

Arctic; cold, short growing season; mosses & lichens.

Taiga vegetation?

South of tundra; warmer summers; mostly conifers.

Coniferous trees?

Evergreen, needle leaves, stay year-round.

Deciduous trees?

Shed leaves in winter.

Largest trees in Canada?

West Coast forests, Douglas firs.

Why no trees in southern prairies?

Climate too dry.

How does grass survive in prairies?

Deep roots reach water.

Prairie soil fertility?

Dark, rich, humus from dead grass.

Mountain vegetation changes?

Higher altitude = colder, thinner soil, smaller plants.

Soil/vegetation variation west coast & mountains?

Changes with rainfall, temperature, altitude.

Why do humans clear natural vegetation?

For farming; takes years to regrow.