Alberta Forest Identification and Measurement Strategies Quiz

Imagine you are in the field and need to determine the stand volume of a forest area. Explain how you would strategically use a D-tape, clinometer, and a scaled map to complete this task, and why each tool is important in your process.

• Use the D-tape to measure tree height, the clinometer for tree diameter, and the map for tree species.

• Use the D-tape for diameter measurements, the clinometer for estimating tree height, and the scaled map to calculate area and extrapolate stand volume.

• Use all tools only for identifying tree species.

• Use the clinometer to measure soil moisture, the D-tape for leaf length, and the map for rainfall data.

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NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

You are given satellite imagery of a forested region in Alberta from two different years. Strategically outline the steps you would take to interpret changes in land use, stand succession, and forest growth using this imagery.

• Compare the images visually, looking for any color changes, and make assumptions without further analysis.

• Analyze the imagery for changes in forest cover, identify patterns of land use change, and use evidence from the images to infer stand succession and growth trends.

• Focus only on the water bodies in the images.

• Ignore the imagery and rely on historical written records.

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Given the habitat and growth conditions described, evaluate why Lodgepole Pine is predominantly found in the western parts of Alberta and how this influences its commercial value.

• The western parts of Alberta have higher elevations and sandy or gravelly soils, which are ideal for Lodgepole Pine, making it a reliable source for construction materials due to its adaptability and wood quality.

• Lodgepole Pine grows best in lowland bogs, which are mostly found in eastern Alberta, limiting its commercial value.

• The tree requires constant shade and wet conditions, which are only available in urban areas, reducing its commercial importance.

• Its growth is limited by poor soil quality in the west, making it less valuable commercially.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Compare and contrast the commercial uses of Lodgepole Pine and White Spruce, and reason why their wood properties make them suitable for different industrial applications.

• Both are only used for decorative purposes due to their weak wood.

• Lodgepole Pine’s strong and flexible wood is ideal for framing and panelling, while White Spruce’s resilient, fine-textured wood is preferred for lumber, pulp, and paper, reflecting their suitability for different construction and manufacturing needs.

• Lodgepole Pine is mainly used for food production, while White Spruce is used for fuel.

• Both are unsuitable for commercial use due to their slow growth.

Strategically plan how you would manage a mixed forest stand containing both Black Spruce and Balsam Fir to maximize both commercial value and ecological sustainability.

• Implement selective cutting and sustainable harvesting to maintain biodiversity and prevent overexploitation.

• Harvest all trees at once to maximize immediate profit.

• Focus only on harvesting Balsam Fir for its resin.

• Ignore ecological sustainability and focus solely on commercial value.

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NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

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Using reasoning and evidence from the text, compare the ecological roles of Aspen and White Birch in forest ecosystems, particularly in the context of disturbance and regeneration.

• Both Aspen and White Birch are among the first to colonize disturbed areas, aiding in forest regeneration and ecological balance.

• Only Aspen trees contribute to forest regeneration, while White Birch does not play a significant role.

• White Birch trees outcompete all other species, preventing regeneration of other plants.

• Neither Aspen nor White Birch are important in disturbed ecosystems.

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Evaluate the impact of Balsam Poplar’s wood and resin on multiple industries. If you were to advise a new business in Alberta, which industry would benefit most from the unique properties of Balsam Poplar, and what evidence supports your recommendation?

• The construction industry, due to its extremely hard and dense wood.

• The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, because of the medicinal properties of its resin.

• The electronics industry, for its conductive properties.

• The mining industry, for its use in equipment manufacturing.

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Evaluate the potential consequences if Alberta’s forestry sector fails to maintain a balance between resource utilization and conservation. What are the likely long-term impacts on both the environment and the economy?

• The forests will become more productive and profitable in the short term, with no negative consequences.

• There will be a loss of biodiversity, depletion of resources, and negative impacts on industries and future generations.

• The environment will improve, but the economy will suffer.

• Only the local communities will be affected, with no broader impacts.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

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Given the description of the White Spruce (Picea glauca), analyze how its physical characteristics (such as bark, leaves, and cones) might contribute to its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and climatic regions.

• The straight, tapered trunk and needle-shaped leaves reduce water loss and allow the tree to survive in different climates.

• The tree’s thin bark makes it more susceptible to disease, limiting its distribution.

• The cones only open in summer, restricting seed dispersal to warm climates.

• The tree’s branches grow vertically, which limits sunlight absorption.

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Given the description of Black Spruce (Picea mariana), analyze how its physical adaptations, such as needle-shaped leaves and club-like branch structure, might contribute to its survival in wetland environments of central and northern Alberta.

• The needle-shaped leaves reduce water loss and the club-like branches help shed snow, both aiding survival in wetland and cold environments.

• The broad leaves increase water absorption and the flat branches trap more sunlight, which is essential in wetlands.

• The thin bark prevents fungal infections and the downward branches help collect rainwater for the roots.

• The spherical cones attract pollinators and the flexible branches allow the tree to bend in strong winds.

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