Ecosystem

Classification III
Canadian Ecological
Framework
“Introduction to Canada’s
Ecozones”
Wilkin, E.B. 2003.
Introduction to Canada’s Ecozones
(on Blackboard). more
 “An[y] area where organisms and their
physical environment endure as a system”
 includes human activities
 20 major ecosystems in Canada :
 15 terrestrial ecozones
 5 marine ecozones
more
Canadian Ecological
Framework
Ecozone LARGEST
Ecoprovince
Ecoregion
Ecodistrict smallest

1. Ecozone
 sub-continental scale
 large and very generalized ecological
units
Canadian Ecological
Framework
2. Ecoprovince
o “major assemblages” of structural or surface forms
(topography),
o faunal realms (animals),
o vegetation,
o hydrology,
o soil, and
o macro climate.

For example, the Newfoundland ecoprovince is one of

six ecoprovinces within the Boreal Shield Ecozone.
Canadian Ecological
Framework
3. Ecoregion
• distinctive regional ecological factors, including
• climate,
• physiography,
• vegetation,
• soil,
• water, and
• fauna (animals).

For example, the Maritime Barrens ecoregion (no.

114) is one of nine ecoregions within the
Newfoundland ecoprovince. 
Canadian Ecological
Framework
4. Ecodistrict
 a distinctive assemblage of relief,
 landforms, geology, soil,
 vegetation,
 water bodies &
 fauna.

For example, the Jeddore Lake ecodistrict is

one of five within the Maritime Barrens
ecoregion.
Development of
Classification System in
Canada article on Blackboard
• Varies somewhat by province
Canadian forest ecosystem classification - Canadian Forest Service
Update

• Nova Scotia ELC & FEC

• British Columbia BEC WEB
• Ontario FGCA: Conservation of Genetic Diversity
Ecological Land Classification Primer
Northern Ontario Database website
 Ontario’s FEC & WEC
Ecozone
Ecoprovince
Ecoregion
Ecodistrict
Ecosection
Ecosite – DRAFT Guide
Landscape Level Management
Ecoelement