Tropical Forests Map
This map shows in green, Tropical Forest Biomes. Dark green lines show the border of individual forest ecoregions. The map also shows countries, parallels, and meridians for reference. For more detail zoom in. For name and type of forest hover over the map. For more information scroll down.
Tropical forests display the greatest development of terrestrial ecosystems. These biomes support huge biomass, high productivity, and rich biodiversity under benign climatic conditions. Biomes
Tropical Forests are located close to the equator. They are usually 23.5°N (the Tropic of Cancer) and 23.5°S (the Tropic of Capricorn) from the equator. This map shows 30°N and 30°S.
Tropical Forests get on average 12 hours of daily sunlight, with very little difference between months.
In Tropical Forests, temperature is on average 20-25°C (68-77°F). The coldest and the warmest month do not differ by more than 5°C (11°F).
Most of the times precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year. Annual rainfall is between 2,000 to 10,000 millimeters (79 to 394 inches) of rain per year.
Soils can be deep, but due to nutrient leaching, soils in tropical forests are poor in nutrients and very acidic. Because of ambient conditions like high humidity and high temperatures, decomposition is quite rapid.
Tropical Forest Species Diversity
While tropical forests occupy one tenth of the world's land area, they account for half of the world's species.
Species diversity might be supported by different theories. The first one theorizes that with more solar energy there is more diversity. A second theory suggests that with more climatic stability, there is more diversity.
The last one, suggests that the climate stability of tropical areas over geologic time, has given them more time to diversify. Temperate areas have been covered by ice during glaciation, therefore going through climatic changes that wiped out many species.
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Tropical Forest Subdivisions
Tropical Forests may be divided according to rainfall distribution. Besides rainfall, forests may be further classified according to their soil type, elevation, and forest structure. Source: http://homepages.wmich.edu/~kohlers/bios105/files/tropical%20forests.pdf
This classification is assigned to each ecoregion on the map, and visible when you hover over it.
Lowland Evergreen Rain Forests
These are the tropical rain forests that most people envision. High species diversity and no noticeable dry season.
Their canopies have multiple levels. Mature tree crowns may have a radius larger than 65ft (20m). Trees may grow like buttresses for physical support (See photo below).
Lianas, and woody climbers, with hooks for climbing are common.
Epiphytes are quite common too. These are plants that live on other plants, like orchids, ferns, and bromeliads.
Another characteristic plant are the hemi-epiphytes. This plants germinate on the canopy and grow roots down the trunk. A common example are Ficus species.
An example of a lowland evergreen rain forest is the Amazon Rain Forest.
Semi-evergreen Rain Forests
Characterized by a dry season or moderate draught. Some trees may show a seasonal leafless period.
Deciduous component may take one third of the upper canopy and sometimes deciduous trees may clump in one area of the forest.
Species diversity is lower than evergreen rain forests.
An example is the Odisha or Orissa semi-evergreen forests of west India.
Moist/Dry Deciduous Forests or Monsoon Forests
The length of the dry season increases to the point that most trees are deciduous.
Trees maybe leafless 2 to 6 months. Therefore light penetrates to the bottom of the forest much of the year.
Light penetration results in grass species being common. These forests grade into savannahs.
Some examples are Mad