The word "neotropics" refers to the tropical regions of the Americas that have evolved distinct flora and fauna. The pronunciation of this term is /niːəʊˈtrɒpɪks/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as "nee," and the second syllable has a long "o" sound followed by "tropics," which is pronounced as "tra-pics." The spelling of this word reflects its Latin roots, as "neo" means "new" in Latin, while "tropics" refers to the equatorial region where the sun is directly overhead twice a year.
Neotropics refers to a biogeographic region encompassing the tropical areas of the Americas, primarily those located in the Western Hemisphere. The term "neo" denotes the newness or recentness of the region's origin and evolutionary history. Neotropical regions are characterized by their unique and diverse flora and fauna, which have evolved over millions of years in isolation from other continental landmasses.
The neotropics extend from the Tropic of Cancer in Mexico, across Central America and the Caribbean, to South America, encompassing the Amazon rainforest, the Andes Mountains, and various tropical forests, wetlands, and savannas. This vast region is home to numerous exotic and endemic species, including monkeys, jaguars, toucans, hummingbirds, orchids, bromeliads, and countless other plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth.
The neotropics also boast a wide range of climatic conditions, from rainforests with high levels of rainfall to seasonally dry areas. This variation in climate supports an extraordinary array of ecosystems and habitats, such as cloud forests, mangroves, and tropical dry forests. Additionally, the region's rich biodiversity has been shaped by factors such as the isolation of landmasses, geological events, climatic fluctuations, and the complex interactions between species and their environment.
Neotropical countries present a vast array of environmental challenges, including deforestation, habitat degradation, species loss, and climate change. Consequently, conservation efforts in the neotropics are crucial for preserving its unique biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of these vital ecosystems.
The term "neotropics" is derived from the combination of two words: "neo", which means new or recent, and "tropics", which refers to the region of Earth near the equator between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The "tropics" is known for its warm climate and diverse ecosystems.
"Neotropics" is used to describe the tropical region of the Americas, encompassing Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The term emphasizes the distinctiveness and uniqueness of the tropical ecosystems found in this region, which differ from those in other parts of the world. The word "neotropics" was coined to differentiate this area from other geographic regions, such as the Paleotropics (Old World tropics).