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Questions and Answers
The temperature in tropical climates seldom exceeds 35° C.
The temperature in tropical climates seldom exceeds 35° C.
True
Tropical climates experience only one wet season.
Tropical climates experience only one wet season.
False
Abundant cloud cover at night in tropical climates helps retain heat.
Abundant cloud cover at night in tropical climates helps retain heat.
True
Tropical regions are known for significant atmospheric pressure and low rainfall.
Tropical regions are known for significant atmospheric pressure and low rainfall.
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The average temperature in a tropical climate must always be above 18° C.
The average temperature in a tropical climate must always be above 18° C.
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Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are rarely associated with tropical climates.
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are rarely associated with tropical climates.
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The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is an area defined by high pressure.
The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is an area defined by high pressure.
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The greatest rainfall in tropical climates occurs when the sun is overhead at noon.
The greatest rainfall in tropical climates occurs when the sun is overhead at noon.
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Tropical rainfall can exceed 3000 mm in equatorial climates.
Tropical rainfall can exceed 3000 mm in equatorial climates.
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Weather reflects long-term atmospheric conditions while climate reflects short-term conditions.
Weather reflects long-term atmospheric conditions while climate reflects short-term conditions.
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The average temperature in equatorial climates usually ranges from 20° C to 25° C.
The average temperature in equatorial climates usually ranges from 20° C to 25° C.
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Tropical monsoon climates have no dry seasons.
Tropical monsoon climates have no dry seasons.
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Areas with 600 – 1250 mm of rainfall per annum in tropical monsoon climates are suitable for perennial crops.
Areas with 600 – 1250 mm of rainfall per annum in tropical monsoon climates are suitable for perennial crops.
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In equatorial climates, crops such as banana, cacao, and coconut can be grown.
In equatorial climates, crops such as banana, cacao, and coconut can be grown.
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The ITCZ drifts throughout the year but generally remains near the poles.
The ITCZ drifts throughout the year but generally remains near the poles.
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Mean monthly temperatures in tropical monsoon regions are generally below 18° C.
Mean monthly temperatures in tropical monsoon regions are generally below 18° C.
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Kenya's rainfall of 1500 – 1800 mm is unsuitable for crops like coffee and tea.
Kenya's rainfall of 1500 – 1800 mm is unsuitable for crops like coffee and tea.
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Areas with a long dry season can support crops such as maize and yam.
Areas with a long dry season can support crops such as maize and yam.
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In tropical dry climates, agricultural use is significantly enhanced due to high rainfall.
In tropical dry climates, agricultural use is significantly enhanced due to high rainfall.
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High intensity rainfall in tropical regions leads to increased soil nutrients.
High intensity rainfall in tropical regions leads to increased soil nutrients.
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Wet coastal climates have a few drier months and are suitable for a variety of crops.
Wet coastal climates have a few drier months and are suitable for a variety of crops.
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Humidity is uniformly low in wet equatorial climates throughout the year.
Humidity is uniformly low in wet equatorial climates throughout the year.
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Tropical regions are characterized by high humidity only during the rainy season.
Tropical regions are characterized by high humidity only during the rainy season.
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Sorghum and millet are examples of crops suitable for areas with one long rainy season.
Sorghum and millet are examples of crops suitable for areas with one long rainy season.
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Study Notes
Tropical Environment
- Tropics are centred on the equator, between 30°N and 30°S latitudes
- Low atmospheric pressure in the tropics
- Abundant rainfall associated with thunderstorms
- High sunshine levels
- Temperatures rarely exceed 35°C, with daytime highs around 32°C and lows above 18°C
- Abundant cloud cover at night preventing heat loss
- Rainfall patterns marked by variations in rainfall and cloudiness
- Two wet seasons and two dry seasons at the equator
- Weather describes conditions of the atmosphere (rainfall, temperature, humidity, sunshine, cloudiness) at a specific time
- Climate describes average weather conditions over a long period
Weather vs. Climate
- Weather = short-term atmospheric conditions
- Climate = long-term average weather conditions
Types of Tropical Climates
- Equatorial climate (tropical rainforest): High rainfall, frequent rainfall, high humidity, average temperature 25°C - 30°C
- Tropical monsoon climate: distinct wet and dry seasons, rainfall >1000 mm per annum, temperatures >18°C
- Tropical dry climate: limited rainfall, hot and dry, suitable for limited agriculture
Climatic Factors Affecting Crop Production
- Rainfall: Amount, duration, distribution, and reliability determine crop potential and productivity. High rainfall intensities can cause problems
- Humidity: High humidity in tropical regions can reduce the rate of transpiration and increase the risk of plant diseases.
- Temperature: Plant growth is affected by variations in temperature, some plants are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than others
- Solar Radiation: Direct sunlight provides energy for photosynthesis. Amount of sunlight (Leaf Area Index, LAI) is an important factor.
- Photoperiod: Length of day/night influences plant flowering and growth patterns (short-day vs. long-day vs. day-neutral)
Crop Domestication and Evolution
- Domestication is the process of altering wild plants by humans for agricultural purposes.
- Wild plants are selected for desired traits.
- Natural selection occurs naturally, driven by environmental factors.
- Artificial selection is a purposeful process of choosing wild plants based on preferred traits.
- Important changes seen after domestication: reduction in shattering, removal of toxic substances, shorter life cycles, and increased yield.
Natural and Artificial Selection
- Natural selection: Environmental pressures lead to the dominance of certain traits.
- Artificial selection: Human intervention selects plants/animals with desirable characters for breeding.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the tropical environment, including its characteristics, weather patterns, and types of tropical climates. Understand the differences between weather and climate and explore the unique features of equatorial and tropical monsoon climates. This quiz is perfect for students studying geography or environmental science.
