Environment Canada
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Ecosystems and Habitats

Black Tern flying over nest. Photo: © Corel 1994An ecosystem is a self-sustaining community that consists of a dynamic set of living organisms interacting with each other and with their environment. Canada is the steward of many globally important ecosystems, including 25 per cent of the world's wetlands and boreal forests. Habitat describes the location and environmental conditions in which a particular organism normally lives.

This section provides information on where plants and animals live and on Environment Canada's efforts to support healthy and diverse wildlife populations through the preservation of wilderness areas.