Final answer:
The primary reason for gaps in Canada's continuous ecumene is the harsh climate conditions, particularly in Northern Canada, which is not suited for permanent human settlement due to extreme weather, poor soil quality, and difficult living conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are gaps in Canada's continuous ecumene primarily due to harsh climate conditions. The majority of these gaps are found in Northern Canada, which is not part of Canada’s habitable zone for permanent human settlement. This region experiences extreme weather that is not conducive to widespread settlement or agricultural production. The soil quality is poor, largely because glaciers removed most of it during various ice ages, and the climate is particularly harsh, which makes it less attractive for settlement. These gaps in the ecumene are also influenced by the fact that economic activity in Canada is heavily integrated with that of the United States, prompting a greater population density near the southern border. Furthermore, the Canadian Shield, with its vast array of timber and mineral resources, is covered in rock and forest, posing challenges for large-scale settlement.
While indigenous territories, limited transportation infrastructure, and environmental conservation efforts do play roles in shaping where people live, they are not the primary reasons for the existence of gaps in Canada's ecumene. Instead, the physical geography and the resulting harsh living conditions are the most significant factors.