Tropical zones are regions of the earth that experience consistently warm temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. Synonyms for tropical zones include the tropics, equatorial regions, subtropical areas, and hot zones. The tropics refer to the area between the tropic of cancer and the tropic of Capricorn, while equatorial regions are located around the earth's equator. Subtropical areas are located between the tropics and mid-latitudes, and are characterized by warm temperatures with cooler winters. The term hot zones is also used to describe areas that experience consistently high temperatures and humidity, such as rainforests and deserts. Regardless of the term used, tropical zones are home to diverse ecosystems and a vast array of flora and fauna.