Tropical Forests

Tropical forests (commonly referred to as tropical rain forests) are found in a narrow band around the equatorial belt. This belt experiences a huge amount of rainfall, which averages about 80 inches and varies from 50 to 260 inches (125 to 660 centimeters) a year. The vegetation is always lush and green, with dense growth and tall trees with giant buttresses. Vines and epiphytes such as orchids and bromeliads grow in the upper canopy on larger trees to reach sunlight. On average, temperatures within the rain forest range from 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) to 93 degrees F (34 degrees C) and humidity is between 77 and 88 percent. Although rain falls throughout the whole year, there is usually a brief season with less ...