Tropical refers to a region of the Earth found near the equator, roughly between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S). This region is characterized by a warm climate, with average temperatures consistently above 18°C (64°F) throughout the year. The tropical zone is known for its lush rainforests, diverse ecosystems, and significant biodiversity. In Hebrew, the term is translated as טרופי (tropi). Other relevant translations include Tropisch in German, Tropical in Spanish, Tropical in French, and 熱帯 (Nettai) in Japanese. The tropical region plays a crucial role in global climate patterns and is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to these areas. The tropical climate is often divided into three subcategories: tropical rainforest, tropical monsoon, and tropical savanna, each with distinct characteristics and ecosystems.
Region of Earth surrounding the Equator
The tropics are the region of Earth surrounding the equator, where the sun may shine directly overhead. This contrasts with the temperate or polar regions of Earth, where the Sun can never be directly overhead. Because of Earth's axial tilt, the width of the tropics is twice the tilt. The tropics are also referred to as the tropical zone and the torrid zone.