Tropics

Definition

The Tropics refer to the region of Earth between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, characterized by a warm climate and high levels of precipitation. This area is crucial for agricultural origins and diffusion as it includes some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, which have historically been centers for the domestication of various crops and livestock.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Tropics are home to some of the earliest known centers of agriculture, including regions in Mesoamerica, the Andes, and Southeast Asia.
2. Crops such as maize, rice, and cassava originated in tropical areas, significantly influencing global food systems.
3. The warm climate and abundant rainfall in the Tropics allow for year-round agricultural production, contrasting with temperate zones that have distinct growing seasons.
4. Tropical regions are characterized by a high level of biodiversity, providing a rich resource base for domesticated plants and animals that are essential for agriculture.
5. The diffusion of agricultural practices from the Tropics has greatly impacted diets and economies around the world through trade routes and colonial expansion.

Review Questions

• How do the climatic conditions in the Tropics influence agricultural practices compared to temperate regions?
  • The climatic conditions in the Tropics, characterized by warm temperatures and abundant rainfall, create an environment conducive to year-round agricultural practices. This contrasts with temperate regions, where seasonal changes dictate planting and harvesting times. The consistent climate in the Tropics allows for multiple cropping cycles within a year, leading to higher productivity and diverse agricultural outputs.
• Discuss the role of biodiversity in tropical regions as it relates to agricultural origins and crop domestication.
  • Biodiversity in tropical regions plays a crucial role in agricultural origins because it provides a wide variety of plant and animal species that can be domesticated. The rich ecosystems found in these areas support numerous species with desirable traits for food production, making them ideal for early agricultural development. The interaction between various species also contributes to ecological balance, which is essential for sustainable farming practices.
• Evaluate the impact of historical agricultural diffusion from the Tropics on global food security and cultural exchange.
  • Historical agricultural diffusion from the Tropics has had a profound impact on global food security by introducing staple crops like maize and cassava to diverse cultures around the world. This exchange not only enhanced dietary diversity but also fostered economic interdependence among societies as they traded goods. Additionally, this diffusion facilitated cultural exchanges between different regions, influencing culinary practices, farming techniques, and even social structures, ultimately shaping modern global agriculture.

Related terms

Tropic of Cancer: The parallel of latitude located at approximately 23.5 degrees north of the equator, marking the northern limit of the tropics.

Tropic of Capricorn: The parallel of latitude located at approximately 23.5 degrees south of the equator, marking the southern limit of the tropics.

Biodiversity:

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which is often highest in tropical regions, leading to numerous plant and animal species that can be domesticated for agriculture.