Geoscience Reference
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4
The Tropical Seasonal
Forest Biome
The Tropical Seasonal Forest Biome, also called the Tropical Deciduous Forest,
Monsoonal Forest, or Tropical Dry Forest Biome, is found in the tropics where a
distinct seasonal climate is prevalent. The Tropical Seasonal Forest Biome once
occupied a large area on all continents that lie along the Equator. These forests
existed for millions of years and shifted in extent with changing tectonic and cli-
matic events. Tropical seasonal forests are high in terrestrial biodiversity, second
only to the tropical rainforests. Tropical moist and tropical dry deciduous forests,
semi-evergreen seasonal forests, evergreen seasonal forests, and dry forests are part
of this biome (see Figure 4.1). These forests undergo several months of severe or
absolute drought. The different forests types are differentiated by water limitation,
seasonality, and length of dry season, duration of leaves, vegetative structure, and
substrate.
Plants and animals have adapted strategies to cope with this dry season. Many
trees are deciduous, losing their leaves when the rains ceases. Other plants have
developed small, hard, evergreen leaves that are drought resistant. Animals have
also adapted: many will migrate into and out of the forest, others change their diet,
and still others become less active.
Tropical seasonal forests are rich in biodiversity and historically have been the
center of major human populations and agricultural development. The Tropical
Seasonal Forest Biome has been reduced to a fraction of its original distribution,
making it the most endangered of all terrestrial biomes. Despite its biological, geo-
graphical, and cultural importance, this biome is one of the least-known tropical
ecosystems.
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