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MONTRÉAL, CANADA: In Montréal, Canada it is possible to admire four of the most beautiful ecosystems of the Americas all in one spot - and in a big city at that. In the BioDome, lush tropical rainforests and the polar worlds of the Arctic and Antarctic are waiting to be discovered. The Laurentian Forest changes with the seasons, transporting visitors into the Laurentian National Park, while the marine ecosystem is represented by a replica of the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf. More than ten million visitors have already seen this wonder of scenery, water worlds, plants and animals. And many keep on returning, as just like in Nature, the BioDome always promises new experiences and impressions.
MORE THAN A PARK
The BioDome is much more than a park and a zoo. In its own laboratories, teams of committed researchers investigate the processes in ecosystems and the important role that micro-invertebrates play. These species are so poorly known that many have only now been discovered - one of them in the BioDome itself (Copidognathus Biodomus). The water treatment for the BioDome's giant water basins is carried out with the help of meiofauna and microorganisms. The "oasis" is also involved in the conservation and restoration of threatened plants such as the American ginseng, and does much research on endangered species, particularly bats.
DISCOVER THE BIODOME
Discovering the ecosystems is now even more attractive than before. Since the summer of 2003, a GuidePort information system explains the plant and animal life as the visitors stroll through the BioDome. For a small fee, visitors can pick up a receiver at the audioguide counter, computer-programmed to one of five categories: French, English or Spanish for adults and French or English for children. Each day 300 receivers are on duty in the ecosystems. The BioDomehas chosen a guidePORT chip with a longer playing time. Eighty minutes of narrative audio are triggered by a total of 45 identifiers. The latter are hidden under the pathway or in small holes where they do not disturb the natural beauty of the BioDome scenery. The audio information is stored in 13 cell transmitters that cover the vast area via 55 antenna units. And as a bonus feature, the guidePORT statistics software reveals the places that visitors find the most interesting - how many have tried to catch a glimpse of the nocturnal American porcupine or spot the Canadian lynx.
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