Figure 4.19 Temperate deciduous forest climatographTemperature varies from –20°F to 85°F (–30°C to 30°C). Precipitation
ranges from 30 to 60 inches (75–150 cm) and is distributed fairly evenly
throughout the year. Soil is fertile and enriched with decaying litter. The tree
canopy is moderately dense and allows light to penetrate, resulting in well-
developed and richly diversified understory vegetation and stratification of
animals.
Trees are distinguished by broad leaves that are lost annually (deciduous)
and include such species as oak, hickory, beech, hemlock, maple, basswood,
cottonwood, elm, willow, and spring-flowering herbs. Animals include squirrels,
rabbits, skunks, birds, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, timber wolves, foxes, and
black bears.
Only scattered remnants of original temperate forests remain due to
timbering, land clearing, and development.