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Temperate Forests: Seasonal Changes

The temperate forest biome is found in the middle latitudes around the globe and this biome is very seasonal.

Temperate forests dominate the mid-latitudes in eastern North America, western Europe, and eastern Asia. In the southern hemisphere, smaller areas of temperate forest can be found in South America, southern Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Because temperate forests are highly seasonal they have warm summers and cold winters. The trees being deciduous (meaning they drop their leaves in the fall) change colors as the seasons cycle: the green leaves of summer give way to the grey bare branches of winter. Temperate forests blend into the pines and firs of the taiga (cold climate forests).

Human Activities

The Temperate forest biome is one of the most altered biomes on the planet. By looking at a map you will see that our population density very closely corresponds to the distribution of Temperate Forests. We use the wood of these trees for construction, firewood and art. They have been cleared for farming and to build communities. These human activities have led to the decline and loss of these forests in many parts of the world.

• Deciduous Forest: Biogeographic Association

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