Final answer:
Temperate forests are characterized by seasonal temperature variations with defined growing seasons, moderate annual rainfall, and leaf shedding of deciduous trees that correspond with the seasonal changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The climatic feature that is most characteristic of temperate forests is seasonal temperature variations. These forests are known for having defined growing seasons during the spring, summer, and early fall, with temperatures ranging between -30°C and 30°C (-22°F to 86°F). Temperate forests experience temperatures that drop below freezing during the winter, indicating a clear seasonal change. Additionally, these biomes receive moderate annual rainfall that is relatively consistent throughout the year, varying from 75 cm to 150 cm (29.5-59 inches).
Deciduous trees are the dominant plants in these forests, characterized by leaf shedding in the fall and regrowth in the spring which aligns with the seasonal temperature changes. The latitude of these biomes, found in mid-latitude regions, plays a crucial role in the seasonal temperature shifts that affect the flora and fauna within the temperate forest biome.