The term "tropical region" refers to a geographical area where the climate is typically warm and humid. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈtrɒpɪkəl ˈriːdʒən/, with stress on the first syllable of each word. The "tr" in "tropical" is pronounced as a voiceless dental fricative sound similar to the "th" in "thin." The vowel sound in the first syllable is a short "o" sound. The "g" in "region" is pronounced as a voiced velar stop.
A tropical region refers to a geographical area near or located within the Earth's equator that experiences high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. This region is characterized by a predominantly warm or hot climate, with minimal variations in temperature across seasons. It is typically characterized by the presence of tropical rainforests, such as the Amazon rainforest, and is known for its rich biodiversity and lush vegetation.
In these regions, temperatures usually range between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) on average, with only slight fluctuations throughout the year. The warm temperatures are attributed to the direct exposure to the sun's rays due to the region's proximity to the equator.
Moreover, tropical regions receive abundant rainfall, averaging around 2000 to 4000 millimeters (79 to 157 inches) annually, resulting in high humidity levels. This significant rainfall supports the growth of diverse plant and animal species, contributing to the region's exceptional biodiversity.
Tropical regions are home to numerous unique and specialized ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, savannas, and coral reefs. These areas are often known for their vibrant and colorful flora and fauna, including a vast array of plant species, tropical fruits, exotic animals like monkeys, parrots, and reptiles. Additionally, tropical regions are frequently visited by tourists seeking to explore the diverse ecosystems, experience the warm climate and immerse themselves in the unique cultural traditions of their inhabitants.
The word "tropical" comes from the Late Latin word "tropicus", which originated from the Greek word "tropikos", meaning "of or pertaining to the solstice" or "turning point". The term refers to the two points on the celestial sphere where the sun appears to reach its highest and lowest points in the sky during the solstices.
The word "region" comes from the Latin word "regio", which means "direction, boundary, district, or territory". It has been in use since the 14th century to describe a specific area or a portion of land.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "tropical region" implies an area or territory near the turning points on Earth where the sun reaches its highest and lowest positions in the sky during the solstices.