Snails can be found in many different habitats, but the snails in Banff National Park are unique. These snails are a different species than those you may find in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Different abiotic factors affect each park's aquatic and terrestrial environments, creating different habitats for organisms in which to live. These different environments suit different species. Thermal springs are found in Banff National Park. This unique hot-water environment is the only place in the world where the Banff Springs Snail, Physella johnsoni,  can be found. Unfortunately, this habitat is in danger, and the snail is on the endangered species list.

In this lesson you will explore the following essential questions:

• How do terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems support a diversity of organisms through a variety of habitats and niches?

• How do biotic and abiotic characteristics influence an aquatic and a terrestrial ecosystem?