What's the Forest Like? (original) (raw)

One of the most interesting features of the temperate deciduous forest is its four changing seasons. And as the seasons change, so do the colors of the leaves of the deciduous trees.

The average temperature of the forest is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The average rainfall here in the forest is 30 to 60 inches a year.

If you look at the graph to the left, you'll see that next to the rainforest, the temperate deciduous gets the second-most amount of rainfall per year. In the winter, this is seen as snow.

Why is it advantageous for deciduous tress to drop their leaves every fall?

During the winter months water is generally not available to keep the leaves of some plants alive. Therefore, the leaves of some plants fall off and grow back in the spring. Those plants, like evergreens, that keep their leaves during the winter have special adaptations to stay alive. You can learn more about these adaptations in the taiga biome.