Ontario Shield
More Information
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| The Ontario section of the Precambrian Shield. |
General description
This ecozone, part of the Precambrian Shield, occupies approximately 60% of Ontario. The Precambrian Shield underlies this part of Ontario, extending from the Hudson Bay Lowlands and the limestone in the north to the limestone bedrock in the south.
Lakes and rivers are frequent in many parts of this ecozone and many of the river systems have their sources within the ecozone, which contains the divide between the Arctic and Atlantic (Great Lakes) watersheds. Fire, insects and wind are
important forces of change in the Ontario Shield's forests. Coniferous forests composed of Black Spruce, Balsam Fir, Jack Pine, and Tamarack dominate in the north.In the south, mixed forests and deciduous forests of tolerant hardwoods (e.g., Sugar Maple and Beech) are more frequent. Wetlands, including peatlands, are abundant. The Beaver helps shape aquatic ecosystem composition, structure and function.
There is high diversity of fauna and flora in this ecozone. Mining, logging, fishing, trapping, hunting and camping are major human activities in this region. Hydroelectric developments have altered a number of river systems.
Examples of Species found in this Zone:
| Mammals: | Eastern Timber Wolf, Moose, Woodland Caribou, White-tailed Deer, Black Bear, Gray Wolf, Canada Lynx, American Marten, Red Squirrel |
| Plants: | Reindeer Moss, White Pine |
| Insects: | Denike’s Tiger Beetle |
| Birds: | Bay-breasted Warbler, Common Loon, Barred Owl, Boreal Owl, White-throated Sparrow, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Gray Jay |
| Fish: | Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Walleye |
| Amphibians: | Boreal Chorus Frog |
| Molluscs: | Eastern Elliptio |
Graphic
Ministry of Natural Resources
