Countries with a Tropical Rainforest (Af) Climate — Passage

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Grades
5
6
7
8
Standards
MS-ESS2-6
MS-LS2-5
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This learning resource is available in interactive and printable formats. The interactive worksshet can be played online and assigned to students. The Printable PDF version can be downloaded and printed for completion by hand.
ABOUT THIS READER
This NGSS-aligned science reading passage explores the tropical rainforest (Af) climate, characterized by constant warmth and year-round rainfall. It features five countries—Brazil, Indonesia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia—each hosting vast, biodiverse rainforests. Students learn how these ecosystems support life, regulate climate, and provide global benefits. Real-world examples help readers understand how geography, weather, and biodiversity are linked. This passage supports Earth and Environmental Science standards and builds reading comprehension for middle school learners through clear explanations, key vocabulary, and engaging facts.
Publisher: Workybooks
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Written by:Neha Goel Tripathi
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Illustrated by:

Countries with a Tropical Rainforest (Af) Climate

The tropical rainforest climate, labeled Af in the Köppen climate classification system, is known for its constant warmth and heavy rainfall throughout the year. Regions with this climate do not have a dry season. Temperatures usually stay between 25°C and 28°C (77°F to 82°F), and annual rainfall often exceeds 200 cm (79 inches). This consistent climate supports lush, dense forests and incredible biodiversity.

 

One country with this climate is Brazil, home to much of the Amazon Rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest in the world. In northern Brazil, the climate stays hot and wet all year. The Amazon River and its tributaries flow through this area, supporting a wide range of plants and animals, including jaguars, sloths, and colorful parrots.

 

Another example is Indonesia, which has one of the largest tropical rainforest areas in Asia. Its islands like Sumatra, Borneo (shared with Malaysia), and New Guinea are covered in thick rainforests. These areas receive steady rainfall and warm temperatures, providing ideal conditions for orangutans, hornbills, and thousands of plant species.

 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in central Africa also has a tropical rainforest climate. The Congo Basin contains the second-largest rainforest in the world. Rainfall is abundant, and the region is home to gorillas, forest elephants, and chimpanzees.

 

Papua New Guinea shares the island of New Guinea with Indonesia and has a similar Af climate. Its rainforests are filled with rare and unusual species, including birds of paradise and tree kangaroos. These forests are not only important for wildlife but also for local communities who depend on them for food, shelter, and medicine.

 

Lastly, Malaysia experiences the Af climate, particularly in regions like Sarawak and Sabah on the island of Borneo. The climate supports rainforests that are rich in biodiversity, including rare orchids, clouded leopards, and flying lemurs.

 

Tropical rainforest climates are vital for the Earth's oxygen supply, carbon storage, and biodiversity. Protecting these regions helps combat climate change and preserve life on our planet.

 

Fun Fact: The Amazon Rainforest produces about 20% of the world's oxygen!

What is the average temperature in a tropical rainforest climate?

15–20°C10–15°C25–28°C30–35°C

Which country contains the Amazon Rainforest?

IndonesiaMalaysiaBrazilCongo

What kind of animals live in Indonesia’s rainforests?

Bears and foxesKangaroos and koalasOrangutans and hornbillsWolves and deer

What does the Congo Basin contain?

The world’s largest desertA tropical savannaThe second-largest rainforestTall mountain ranges

Why are tropical rainforest climates important?

They are dry and coolThey store carbon and support lifeThey are good for skiingThey cause flooding

How are the rainforests in Malaysia similar to those in Papua New Guinea?

They are located in cold climatesThey are full of snow and iceThey are rich in biodiversityThey are completely treeless

What is the main idea of the passage?

Deserts are found around the worldTropical rainforest climates exist in five countriesCities are growing quickly in rainforest zonesTourism is increasing in forests

If a country has an Af climate, what can you expect?

Cold winters and dry summersDry air and sandy soilYear-round rain and warm weatherSnowfall and strong winds

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