Temperate deciduous forests are typically found in temperate regions of the world. These are regions where the climate is not tropical, but also are not polar. The dominant vegetation typically consists of deciduous broadleaf trees which drop their leaves in the fall. A groundcover of smaller shrubs, ferns and wildflowers may be found on the ground within this forest. Saprotrophs in the soil add humus or organic material to make the soil fertile as they decay any plant matter that falls to the forest floor.

Rainfall:

Average Monthly Rainfall Range: 75-120 mm

Temperate deciduous forests usually have definite dry and rainy seasons.

Temperature:

Average Monthly Temperature Range: 0-25 C.

Temperate deciduous forests tend to have cold winters and fairly warm summers.

Threats to the Temperate Deciduous Forest:

1) Cutting and clearing of temperate deciduous forests for use as farmland or conversion to city plots.

2) Clear-cutting of the deciduous forest trees for use as wood (often for furniture or construction lumber) or firewood.

[Tropical Rainforest] [Temperate Deciduous Forest] [Temperate Grasslands] [Chaparral/Shrublands] [Desert] [Tundra]