Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Temperate forests are terrestrial biomes characterized by moderate temperatures and high precipitation. They typically exhibit four distinct seasons and support a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Temperate forests are primarily found in North America, Europe, and East Asia.
These forests experience significant seasonal changes with cold winters and warm summers.
The dominant vegetation includes deciduous trees like oaks, maples, and beeches, as well as coniferous trees in some regions.
Temperate forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration due to their dense biomass.
They provide important habitats for a variety of wildlife species including deer, bears, and numerous bird species.
Review Questions
Related terms
Deciduous Forests: Forests composed mainly of deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually.
Coniferous Forests: Forests dominated by coniferous trees such as pines and firs which retain their needles year-round.
Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life within a particular habitat or ecosystem.