Final answer:
The Canadian Shield is an ancient mountain range with rocky terrain and limited soil for farming, rich in minerals and forests, unlike the agriculturally abundant prairies or the rugged Rocky Mountains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Canadian Shield Region is covered by c. an ancient mountain range. The Canadian Shield constitutes a large area of exposed Precambrian igneous and high-grade metamorphic rocks that form the ancient geological core of the North American continent. The region, encircling Hudson Bay and stretching from the Great Lakes to the Arctic Ocean, is characterized by its rocky terrain and thin layers of soil, which do not support extensive farming but are rich in minerals and forests. The Canadian Shield is notably different from the Rocky Mountains, which are located in the western part of Canada and are known for their high peaks, mining, and lumber mills.
Answer: d. the Rocky Mountains