Where is Tropical Wet and Dry Climate Usually Located?
Tropical Wet and Dry is found near the equator, usually on the outer edges of Tropical Wet climate areas. The largest areas of Tropical Wet/Dry are found in Africa, Brazil, and India.
What Seasons Does Tropical Wet and Dry Climate Have?
There are only 2 seasons in this climate. Wet season (summer) and dry season (winter). Usually the dry season is longer. During the dry seasons plant life and animal life struggle to deal with the dry conditions, but as the rainy season begins, plants turn green, ponds fill up, and animal life flourishes. This climate is caused by changing wind and ocean currents.
What are the Temperatures like in Tropical Wet and Dry Climate?
During the wet season, temperatures average about 77 degrees. During the dry season, temperatures average about 68 degrees. The temperatures stay high throughout the year because of the latitude where this climate occurs. Areas near the equator receive constant direct sunlight and therefore, heat. The slight difference in temperature is enough to change the wind patterns and keep this area dry for much of the year, until the winds shift and the rainy season begins.
How Much Precipitation Does Tropical Wet and Dry Climate Receive?
The change in precipitation is what gives this climate type is name. Precipitation only falls during the summer months, usually from May-August with June and July having the heaviest rain. The whole dry season usually has less than 4 inches of rain. During the wet season, at least 25 inches will fall. Some areas of Tropical Wet and Dry in the path of monsoon winds can receive incredible amounts of rain. Cherepunji, India once received over 1,000 inches of rain in a year! Northern Madagascar has the record for rain in one day--71 inches! Mawsynram, India is known as the "wettest place on earth" because they average 467 inches of rain per year. These incredible rainfall records are due to seasonal winds called monsoon, which bring dangerous amounts of rain. The map below show areas that experience monsoon wet seasons.
What Kinds of Vegetation (Plants) Does Tropical Wet and Dry Climate Have?
The lack of regular rainfall prevents most trees from surviving in Tropical Wet and Dry. So, the most common vegetation are types grasses and shrubs with an few scattered trees. These types of plants have adapted to long periods of dry weather. The large areas of land covered in small shrubs, scattered trees and grass are often called savannas.
Tropical Savanna
Tropical Savanna
This is a picture of a Tropical Savanna.
What Kinds of Animals Does Tropical Wet and Dry Climate Have?
The grasslands of Tropical Wet and Dry support many herbivores (plant eaters) who graze in the grasses. Most of these animals usually migrate and run in large herds for safety. Examples include wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, elephants, giraffes, etc. Many carnivores (meat eaters) follow and hunt the herbivores. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and large birds hunt the savannas of Africa.
3 reasons for ecosystem description (plants & vegetation animal life) From the text above.
1) The lack of regular rainfall in the Tropical Wet and Dry climate limits the type of vegetation that can survive. Only grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees are able to adapt to the long periods of dry weather.
2) The grasslands of the Tropical Wet and Dry climate support a variety of herbivores, such as wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, elephants, and giraffes. These herbivores often migrate and run in large herds for safety.
3) The presence of herbivores in the Tropical Wet and Dry climate attracts many carnivores, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and large birds. These carnivores hunt the herbivores in the savannas of Africa and other areas with Tropical Wet and Dry climate.
1. The lack of regular rainfall in Tropical Wet and Dry climates limits the growth of trees, resulting in the dominance of grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees. These plant species have adapted to survive long periods of dry weather.
2. The grasslands of Tropical Wet and Dry climates support a diverse range of herbivores, such as wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, elephants, and giraffes. These animals graze on the abundant grasses, and many of them migrate and form large herds for safety.
3. The presence of herbivores in the ecosystem attracts carnivores like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and large birds. These predators rely on the abundant herbivores for their sustenance and have adapted to hunting and surviving in the savannas of Tropical Wet and Dry climates.
1. Lack of regular rainfall: The limited rainfall in Tropical Wet and Dry climates prevents most trees from thriving, leading to the dominance of grasses, shrubs, and a few scattered trees. These types of vegetation have adapted to survive long periods of dry weather.
2. Abundance of herbivores: The grasslands in Tropical Wet and Dry climates provide ample grazing opportunities for herbivores. Animals like wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, elephants, and giraffes rely on the grasses as their primary food source. They often migrate and form large herds for safety and foraging.
3. Predators in the savannas: The presence of herbivores in the grasslands attracts a variety of carnivores. Animals such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and large birds hunt and prey on the herbivores, forming a complex predator-prey relationship in the savannas of Tropical Wet and Dry climates.