What Makes Temperate Rainforests Unique?

Temperate rainforests, found on western coasts of North and South America, feature:

• High rainfall – 100–400 inches annually.
• Evergreen canopy – year-round photosynthesis.
• Rich biodiversity – mosses, ferns, epiphytes, diverse fauna.
• Ancient ecosystems – millions of years old, complex interactions.
• Nurse logs – decaying trees nurture seedlings.
• Carbon sequestration – massive trees store CO₂.
• Threats – logging, climate change, development.