Tropical Zone
The zone of warm climate that extends 23º north and south of the equator
Real World Example
In history, the tropical zone was crucial for the development of early civilizations in the Americas, such as the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, because its warm climate and abundant rainfall supported agriculture. These conditions allowed people to grow crops like maize, beans, and squash, which were vital for sustaining large populations. The tropical zone's fertility addressed the problem of food scarcity and enabled societies to thrive and build complex structures and cities. Today, the tropical zone remains important for biodiversity and agriculture, providing essential resources like bananas, coffee, and cacao. For instance, people living in tropical areas often rely on farming these crops for their livelihoods, and global consumers enjoy these products in their daily lives, highlighting the zone's ongoing significance.