Identify the land biome on the basis of the given characteristics : 1. Their climates are characterised by high rainfall and temperatures that vary from cold to mild. 2. These forests contain primarily deciduous trees - including maple, oak, hickory and beechwood. 3. Raccoons, opossums, bats and squirrels are found in the trees. Select the correct land biome from the options given below :

The characteristics provided identify the Temperate Forest (specifically the temperate deciduous forest) biome. This biome is defined by its distinct seasonal changes and moderate climate.

• Climate: These regions experience a wide range of temperatures, from cold winters to mild/warm summers, with relatively high and evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year.
• Vegetation: The mention of maple, oak, hickory, and beechwood is definitive, as these are classic broad-leaved deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually to conserve water during the cold season.
• Fauna: Animals such as raccoons, opossums, and squirrels are typical inhabitants of these forests, adapted to the seasonal availability of food and nesting sites in deciduous trees.

In contrast, Tropical forests lack a cold season, Boreal forests (Taiga) consist mainly of coniferous evergreens, and Mediterranean forests are characterized by dry summers and sclerophyllous vegetation.