Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
This volume provides information on both Tropical Forest Biomes: the Tropical
Rainforest and the Tropical Seasonal Forest. Each biome is described, beginning
with a general global overview where the following factors are discussed:
Geographic location
Formation and origin of the biome
General climatic conditions of the biome
Major soil-forming processes and types of soil in the biome
Common structure and characteristics of tropical forest vegetation
Common adaptations and types of animals living in the biome
Current condition of the biome and efforts toward conservation
Following the general overview, regional expressions of the biome are dis-
cussed; details of location, climatic influences, soils, specific plant and animal spe-
cies, and their adaptations, along with a description of cultural influences and
regional conservation, are presented.
The Tropical Forests
The Tropical Forests of the world have their geographic or latitudinal location in
common. Tropical Forests are located between the Tropic of Cancer at 23
N and
the Tropic of Capricorn at 23
S of the Equator. The Tropical Rainforest Biome
occurs closer to the Equator where day length, temperature, and rainfall are con-
sistent throughout the year. The Tropical Seasonal Forest Biome is present away
from the equatorial zone, toward the tropical margins. In a few areas, these tropical
forests stretch beyond the tropics, due to specific oceanic or climatic influences.
Tropical rainforests make up about 86 percent of tropical forest; the remaining
14 percent is composed of Tropical Seasonal Forest. These Tropical Forest Biomes
occur in three regions: Central and South America; West, Central, and Interior
Africa and Madagascar; and in the Asian Pacific, Southeast Asia, New Guinea,
and northeastern Australia.
Tropical forests cover approximately 7 percent of the Earth or close to 5 million
acres (2.1 million ha). Of that 7 percent, approximately 45 percent is located in
the Americas, while the Asian Pacific and African regions have roughly 25 and
30 percent, respectively (see Figure 1.1).
Tropical Forest Biomes contain the highest biodiversity of all other terrestrial
biomes. These biomes cover a small area compared with other biomes, but play a
crucial role in the atmospheric, climatic, and ecological systems of the world.
Vegetation
Tropical rainforests are broadleaved evergreen forests found at elevations below
3,300 ft (1,000 m); temperatures are warm year-round and precipitation is high.
