What are Temperate Forests?

Photo: USFWS

Temperate forests are areas with high levels of precipitation and humidity. These forests also contain a variety of deciduous trees. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter.

Due to abundant rainfall and thick soil humus, temperate forests are able to support a wide variety of vegetation. These forests are also home to a wide variety of animals.

Temperate forest animals have many different ways to deal with the cold and lack of food in winter. Some animals hibernate during the winter and arise in spring when food is more plentiful. Other animals store food and burrow underground to escape the cold.

Temperate forests can be found in several locations around the globe including eastern Asia, central and western Europe, and the eastern United States.

Learn about other biomes:

• Land Biomes
  
• Land Biomes Quiz
  
• Aquatic Communities