Question

Write short notes on:

Equatorial Rainforest

Answer 1

1. Equatorial region is located between 0° to 10° in both the hemisphere, that is on either side of the equator. 
2. The Amazon basin of South America, Congo basin of Africa, East coast of Central America, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, Philippines are included in this region. 
3. This region has a unique climate. Being located along the equator, sunrays are vertical throughout the year. Therefore, the temperature is constantly high throughout the year, Average 
4. The days and nights are of equal duration. This may be the only region in the world where there is no summer or winter seasons. Throughout the year there is high temperature and heavy rainfall, thus it has hot and wet climate. 
5. This region has heavy rainfall almost daily. The ITCZ (Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone) is an area of low pressure in this region due to high temperature and convectional currents. In ITCZ, North East and South East trade winds converge. They bring warm and humid air in this region. Due to convectional currents, moist air rises up, gets condensed and gives heavy rainfall every day. Rainfall is 2500 to 3000 mm, evenly distributed over the year.
6. Due to hot and wet climate, there is a luxuriant growth of the trees. Therefore, the trees are tall and forest have three layered vegetation. Due to heavy rainfall trees are evergreen. Thus, they are evergreen rainforest and they provide hardwood.
7. Due to dense forest growth, climbing and jumping animals like monkeys, as well as snakes, crocodiles are observed on marshy land. This region has rich biodiversity. 
8. Due to heavy rainfall chemical weathering is more common than physical weathering, fertile elements of soil are washed away. only iron particles remain in the soil. 
9. Tribal people live in this region with the help of hunting of birds and animals and food gathering activity. For example, pygmies in Congo basin of Africa.