Q. Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?

  1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy
  2. Coexistence of a large number of species
  3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • 1 only
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 1 and 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Equatorial Rainforest Climate
  • Equatorial Rainforest Climate is distributed in and around the equator in both hemispheres, as its name suggests.
  • The equatorial zone lies between 0 and 10 degrees latitude on either side of the equator.
  • It runs from Sumatra to New Guinea in Asia, spanning the Amazon lowlands in South America, the Congo basin in Africa, and the East Indies.
  • This region, in other words, covers the continents of South America, Africa, and Asia.
  • Equatorial Rainforest Climate is also called the tropical rainforest climate or equatorial climate.
  • Features of rainforests are basically the following:
    • high animal and vegetal biodiversity
    • evergreen trees
    • Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy
    • dark and sparse undergrowth interspersed with clearings
    • scanty litter (organic matter settling on the ground)
    • Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes
    • presence of “strangler” creepers (e.g. Ficus spp.)
    • presence of “buttresses” (i.e. large winged ribs at the base of trunks) and spindly roots in trees living in often-flooded areas.
    • The area is thought to be a genetic hotspot for a variety of animals.
  • Climatic Conditions:
    • With an average daily temperature of 28°C, this climate is extremely hot.
    • The temperature rarely falls below 20°C and never rises over 35°C.
    • The region’s mornings are bright and sunny. In the afternoons, strong convectional rainfall occurs due to the high quantity of evaporation in the region.
    • As a result, the region experiences a lot of rain. The yearly rainfall might be as high as 2500mm.
    • The temperature is high and the humidity is high.
    • The weather is almost constant throughout the year. There are no distinct seasons found here.
  • Soil:
    • The majority of the soil is deficient in nutrients.
    • At the surface, a thin layer of fertile soil forms as the dead leaves decay.
    • It is reddish in colour due to its high iron content.
    • Nutrients are quickly flushed out of the soil due to excessive rains.
  • Wildlife:
    • The equatorial region is not only a home to lush and diversified plants but also a shelter to a wide range of wildlife as well.
    • Many different animals, birds, and insects are supported by the diverse plant species.
    • This region’s fauna include the African elephant and the Jaguar.
    • Mountain gorillas, lowland gorillas, chimps, and many bird species all call the Congo basin home.
    • Other animals include the poison dart frog, margay, and collared anteater, sloths, toucans, spider monkeys and flying frogs.

Tropical Wet Climate (Af)

  • Also known as ‘The Hot, Wet Equatorial Climate’, ‘Equatorial Rainforest Climate’.
  • The regions are generally referred to as ‘Equatorial Rainforests’, ‘Equatorial Evergreen Forests’, ‘Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forest’, ‘Lowland Equatorial Evergreen Rainforest’.
  • Distribution
    • Mostly between 5° N and S of Equator. [little or no Coriolis Force = no tropical cyclones]
    • Its greatest extent is found in the lowlands of the Amazon, the Congo, Malaysia, and the East Indies.
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