Which type of plant sheds its leaves shortly before winter?

Deciduous plants are characterized by their seasonal patterns of leaf retention and shedding. As winter approaches and environmental conditions become less favorable for photosynthesis, deciduous plants lose their leaves to conserve water and energy. This adaptation is crucial for survival during the cold months when sunlight is limited and conditions may lead to water stress. By shedding leaves, deciduous plants minimize evapo-transpiration and protect themselves from damage due to frost.

Perennial plants can include both deciduous and evergreen species, so they are less specific about the leaf-shedding behavior. Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, flowering in the second year, but they do not have a specific relationship with seasonal leaf loss like deciduous plants. Evergreen plants, on the other hand, retain their leaves throughout the year, only losing a few leaves at a time rather than shedding them all in preparation for winter. Thus, the unique leaf-shedding behavior of deciduous plants makes them the correct answer.