Temperate Forest (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what the temperate forest is, its flora, fauna, relief and other characteristics. Also, where is it located.

temperate forest ecosystem — The temperate forest has five layers of vegetation.

What is the temperate forest?

Temperate forests are, as their name indicates, forests characteristic of temperate climate regions of the two hemispheres of the planet. Its climate is characterized by a average annual temperature of 18 °C and average rainfall between 600 mm and 2000 mm annually.

However, its specific conditions vary greatly between seasons and geographical locations. That is to say that they are very diverse in their nature, although are usually very humid (between 60 and 80% constant).

They are organized based on five layers of vegetation:

An initial layer of mosses and lichens, at ground level.
A secondary layer of grass and creeping plants.
A third layer of shrubs, such as blueberries or blackberries.
A fourth layer of young trees, already with a certain height.
A final layer of trees reaches the greatest height.

The soil of this type of forest is usually fertile and rich in nutrients, given the abundant fall of leaves, branches and other organic matter that later decomposes.

Characteristics of the temperate forest

These forests occupy extensive areas of abundant and uniform precipitation. Its temperatures follow the seasonal pattern, since the seasons are clearly differentiated one from the other.

It is common to find them before the appearance of the taigas, with which they can be confused. They are distinguished from other more leafy forests in that have a much less thick and dense canopy so that the sky can be seen from the undergrowth.

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Temperate forest fauna

The fauna of the temperate forest is diverse, although not as diverse as in tropical forests. Many of its native species hibernate during the frost period, escaping the deadly cold to re-emerge in the spring. This means that they are not very visible animals, some with nocturnal habits, others hidden in the grass.

On the other hand, There are a significant number of birds, insects and rodents as well as large herbivores (deer, elk, wild boar, deer), fierce hunters and omnivores (bears, foxes, wolves, wild cats). Squirrels, salamanders and woodpeckers are also common.

Temperate forest flora

temperate forest sequoias flora — Sequoias are giant trees that form temperate forests.

In some forests deciduous species predominate adapted to the arrival of the cold, with possible frosts and snowfalls, while in others conifers are the majority thus giving rise to temperate deciduous forests or temperate coniferous forests.

Also It is common to find mixed forests broad-leaved deciduous and evergreen perennials. In these forests you can find the famous sequoias, large trees that have existed for thousands of years, generally in North American temperate forests.

Other typical species of the temperate forest are maple, fir, spruce and other seed trees, such as walnut.

Temperate forest relief

The relief of these forests is very diverse. It can occur in plains, valleys or mountains without distinction depending on your geographic region. The flattest regions are where the greatest human concentration on the planet is found, probably to take advantage of the richness of the soil for agricultural work.

Location of temperate forests

temperate forest alaska — The temperate forest is found in both hemispheres, near the polar areas, such as Alaska.

The main locations of this type of forest are in the northern regions of North America (much of the United States, Alaska, Canada), Europe (Scandinavia, England, Finland) and Asia (Russia, especially Siberia, but also China) .