The temperature coefficient,Q_(10) (Fractional change in rate with a 10 ℃ increase in temperature),can describe the response of organisms to temperature increases as a result of global warming. It is also a necessary parameter for estimating CO_(2) efflux. Although many studies have focused on Q_(10) values,reported values are highly variable. To better understand the sensitivity of forests to global warming,we reviewed and summarized reported Q_(10) values in the literature. Our specific objectives were the following: (1) to calculate the frequency distribution of Q_(10) values for soil,tree root and tree stem respiration and compare the temperature sensitivity of these different forest ecosystem compartments; (2) to determine the Q_(10) values of evergreen and deciduous tree species and examine the methodological influences on their calculation; and (3) to discuss future Q_(10)-related studies. We found that most Q_(10) values reported for soil,root and stem respiration fell within a relatively narrow range although there were some outliers. For soil respiration,the median Q_(10) value was 2.74 with 23% of the values falling between 2.0 - 2.5 and 80% falling between 1.0 to 4.0. The median Q_(10) value for root respiration was 2.40 with 33% of the values falling between 2.5 - 3.0 and 80% between 1.0 - 3.0. The median Q_(10) value for stem respiration was 1.91 with 90% of the values falling between 1.0 - 3.0. The stem respiration Q_(10) value was significantly less than both the root and soil respiration Q_(10) values. There were no significant differences between the Q_(10) values for root and stem respiration of evergreen and deciduous trees (p>0.10). Methods for CO_(2) analysis (Soda lime absorption,IRGA and chromatograph analysis) and root separation methods (Excised root and trenched box) did not have a significant effect on Q_(10) values of soil and root respiration (p>0.10),but in vitro measurements of stem respiration yielded a significantly higher Q_(10) value than in vivo methods (p<0.05). In general,although the Q_(10) values of stem and root respiration fell within a relatively narrow range,there still was considerable variation between and within reported values for stems and roots. More attention should be paid to the quantitative estimation of total CO_(2) efflux by Q_(10) related models. Future research should focus on the biochemical,environmental and biological factors that control respiration for more precise estimation of total CO_(2) efflux. The greatest challenge is to better understand the underlying mechanisms that result in the variation in Q_(10) values between habitats and tree components to make Q_(10) values more universal for representation of temperature sensitivity to global warming.