What makes a forest a temperate forest?
Temperature - Temperate means "not to extremes" or "in moderation". In this case temperate is referring to the temperature. It never gets really hot (like in the rainforest) or really cold (like in the Taiga) in the temperate forest. The temperature is generally between minus 20 degrees F and 90 degrees F.
Four seasons - There are four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each season is about the same length of time. With only a three month winter, plants have a long growing season.
Lots of rain - There is lots of rain throughout the year, usually between 30 and 60 inches of rain.
Fertile soil - Rotted leaves and other decaying matter provide a rich, deep soil that is good for trees to grow strong roots.