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Canada has defined a hierarchical system of ecosystems. At a simple level there are 20 ecozones, consisting of 15 terrestrial and 5 marine units. The terrestrial part of Canada is further subdivided into 53 ecoprovinces and 194 ecoregions. More detailed levels have been mapped but are not presented here. Lines dividing ecosystems on a map often represent general areas where one ecosystem unit merges with another.
Regardless of the level in the hierarchy, each unit is distinguished
from others by its unique mosaic of plants, wildlife, climate, landforms
and human activities. The ecoregion level is the foundation of the
maps used on this site. Most of the thematic layers are presented
as maps according to Canada’s 194 ecoregions, rather than by other
geographic frameworks such as administrative units, although provinces/territories
are superimposed on these maps for reference purposes.
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