You cannot talk about agriculture without considering the climate regions that make up the ecosystem. As designed by nature, the climatic regions are divided into tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.
Each climatic region is distinct with its unique temperature patterns, rainfall levels, and vegetation types, thus, understanding the differences between tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions lets us know how plants and animals survive in these regions.
What are the Tropical Regions?
Tropical climatic regions are the hottest and most biologically active among the three climatic regions. The tropical regions are the closest to the equator; they are characterized by constant warm temperatures, high humidity, abundant rainfall, and lush vegetation annually.
The average annual temperature in tropical regions ranges from 20°C – 30°C (68°F – 86°F), with daily minimum temperatures of 18°C (64°F). The tropical region is further divided into tropical rainforests, tropical monsoon climates, and tropical wet and dry climates.
Plants in Tropical Regions
Common tropical plants include palm trees, orchids, bromeliads, rubber, heliconia, lianas, and various species of ferns. Plants in the tropics have unique adaptations that make them survive; some of the adaptations are waxy coatings and drip tips on leaves to repel excess water and prevent fungal growth.
Another adaptation feature in the tropics is the extensive growth of roots in the ground and the ability of the trees to reach the sunlight due to their extremely tall height. Tropical plant leaves and flowers grow in the canopy; this allows them to access limited light that penetrates through the dense tropical foliage. Tropical plants usually have bright colors of flowers that attract pollinators like hummingbirds.
Tropical and subtropical regions of the world are home to many different kinds of fruit. Fruits commonly grown in the tropics are citrus, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, pears, and melons. Tropical fruits are also grown extensively throughout the world and are often exported.
What are the Subtropical Regions?
Subtropical climatic regions are next to the tropical region in proximity to the equator. Subtropical regions are characterized by warm temperatures. These areas have less extreme temperature variations compared to tropical or temperate regions. Subtropical climates are divided into the humid subtropical and dry (Mediterranean) subtropical.
Humid subtropical climates are found in the southeastern United States, Eastern Australia, and parts of South America and East Asia. Humid subtropical regions are characterized by long, hot, and humid temperatures and steady rainfall. The average temperatures range from 24°C – 27°C (75°F – 81°F) and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.
Mediterranean or dry subtropical climates are common in areas like California, the Mediterranean Basin, some parts of Australia, Chile, and South Africa; these areas experience dry, warm to hot temperatures and mild rainfall. The temperatures typically range from the upper 20s degrees C – low 30s degrees C (70s degrees F – low 90s degrees F), with stable cloudless skies.
Plants in Subtropical Regions
Common plants found in subtropical climatic regions include cacti, agave, yucca, and other succulents, as well as drought-resistant shrubs and grasses. Plants in these regions have adapted to the seasonal changes and periods of drought.
Adaptation of plants in the subtropical regions includes deep root systems to access groundwater reserves, reduced foliage to minimize water loss, and waxy coatings on their leaves to prevent evaporation.
Subtropical fruits require warm temperatures all year round, though they can tolerate light frost. The most popular subtropical fruits are oranges, pomegranates, figs, and avocados.
What are the Temperate Regions?
The temperate climatic regions are far from the equator and they experience mild climatic conditions, that is moderate temperature variation and rainfall distribution. Temperate regions are divided into four distinct seasons, namely spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Temperate regions experience wider temperature ranges throughout the year compared to tropical or subtropical areas. Temperate climates feature a hot summer and cold winter, with autumn and spring as transitional seasons.
Temperate regions are located between the tropics and the polar circles, spanning across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Oceania.
Plants in Temperate Regions
Plants in temperate regions are deciduous trees like oak, maple, and birch, and flowering plants like mosses and ferns.
Many temperate plants are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves during the colder months to conserve energy and moisture. This adaptation allows plants to survive the harsh winter conditions.
Other adaptations in temperate plants include the growth of epiphytes, such as mosses and ferns, which grow at the top of other plants to reach sunlight. These plants also rely on the nutrients from decomposing fallen logs and leaf litter.
Temperate fruits are blueberry, currant, apple, pear, peach, plum, grape, mulberries, and strawberry. These fruits can tolerate wide range of humidity levels and cooler temperatures during the growing season.
Difference Between Tropical Subtropical And Temperate Regions
The difference between the tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions solely lies in their temperature range and rainfall pattern.
The tropical climatic regions, because they are located near the equator, experience consistently warm temperatures throughout the year and steady rainfall. Tropical climates have average temperatures above 18 degrees C (64 degrees F) all year round, with the warmest months averaging around 27 degrees C (81degree F).
Subtropical climatic regions, situated between the tropics and temperate zones, have more varied temperatures. In humid subtropical climates, the warmest months generally average about 27 degrees C (81 degrees F). However, cooler months have average temperatures ranging from 6 – 12 degrees C (43 – 54 degrees F).
Temperate climatic regions are farther from the equator; they experience more pronounced seasonal variations in temperature. While summers can be warm, winters are typically cold. Though there is some overlap in temperature ranges between subtropical and tropical climatic regions during the warmest months, temperate climatic regions experience cooler temperatures.
Lastly, understanding the differences between tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions is crucial for understanding the distribution of plants and the adaptation of plants that make them survive in these areas. The difference in temperature ranges across these climatic zones significantly influences the types of plants that can thrive and grow optimally.