tropic

Everyday

1. The tropics are the hot, wet regions of the Earth near the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. tree →
2. A tropic is either of two imaginary lines around the Earth: the Tropic of Cancer (north of the equator) and the Tropic of Capricorn (south of the equator). tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons pupils find the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn on a globe, about 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator. The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Australia near Rockhampton and Alice Springs. In the tropics it is warm all year, with rainforests, coral reefs and wet and dry seasons. Phrases: «the tropics», «Tropic of Cancer», «Tropic of Capricorn», «tropical rainforest», «tropical fish».

Examples

• The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Australia. tree →
• It is hot all year in the tropics. tree →
• Rainforests grow in the tropics. tree →
• Mark the Tropic of Cancer on your map. tree →
• The equator lies between the two tropics. tree →
• Many colourful fish live in the tropics. tree →
• Bananas grow well in the tropics. tree →

Note

Usually «the tropics» (plural) for the region; capital T for the named lines. Adjective: tropical. The lines are imaginary — you can't see them on the ground. The tropics are hot because sunlight hits them most directly.