What type of forest is characterized by trees that shed their broad leaves in the fall?

The type of forest characterized by trees that shed their broad leaves in the fall is known as a temperate deciduous forest. This ecosystem primarily exists in regions with distinct seasonal changes, where the temperature drops significantly during winter. The trees in these forests—such as oaks, maples, and beeches—have adapted to the changing seasons by developing broad leaves that can capture sunlight effectively during the growing season.

As autumn approaches and temperatures decrease, these trees undergo a process called leaf abscission, where they shed their leaves to conserve water and energy during the cold, dry winter months. This leaf-shedding process also contributes to the nutrient cycle, as the fallen leaves decompose and enrich the soil.

In contrast, taiga forests consist of coniferous trees that retain their needles year-round, tropical rainforests have a different structure where trees are evergreen and do not seasonally shed leaves, and savannas are grasslands characterized by scattered trees, which do not exhibit the same leaf-shedding behavior typical of temperate deciduous forests. Understanding the differences among these forest types helps in comprehending how diverse ecosystems function across various climates.