A talus slope is an accumulation of rock debris at the base of a cliff or steep mountain slope. Generally, in its early stages of development, it is so unstable as to inhibit growth of vegetation other than the primitive nonvascular plants. Animal life is also sparse but in Cape Breton these areas are special habitat for Rock Vole and the rare Gaspé Shrew. Talus slopes are also known as scree slopes.

This Document Includes:

Formation
Physical Aspects
Ecosystem
Successional Sequence
Plants
Animals
Special Features
Distribution In Nova Scotia

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Additional Keywords:
lichens, Reindeer moss, mesophytes, xerophytes, Cladonia spp., bryophytes, Polypodium virginianum, Sambucus pubens, Rubus spp., Birch, Balsam Fir, Spruce, White Pine, Mountain Ash, Sugar Maple, Wire Grass, Harebell, Pearly Everlasting, White Goldenrod, land snails, Rock Vole, insects, spiders, Gaspé Shrew

Associated Topics:

T3.1 Development of the Ancient Landscape
T3.2 Ancient Drainage Patterns
T3.3 Glaciation, Deglaciation and Seal-level Changes
T3.4 Terrestrial Glacial Deposits and Landscape Features
T10.2 Successional Trends in Vegetation
T10.4 Plant Communities in Nova Scotia
T10.6 Trees
T10.7 Pteridophytes (Ferns and their Allies)
T10.8 Bryophytes (Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts)
T10.11 Lichens
T11.11 Small Mammals

Associated Habitats:

H3.1 Open-water Lotic (Rivers and Streams)
H3.5 Water's Edge Lotic (Rivers and Streams)
H5.3 Cliff and Bank
H6.1 Hardwood Forest