What is the primary factor that influences climate in a tropical rain forest?

The primary factor that influences climate in a tropical rain forest is latitude. Tropical rain forests are typically located near the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where the sun’s rays are most direct throughout the year. This consistent sunlight results in high temperatures and significant rainfall that characterize these ecosystems.

The location at low latitudes leads to a stable climate with minimal seasonal variation, which is ideal for the growth of dense, diverse vegetation found in rain forests. While other factors such as altitude, distance from oceans, and seasonal changes can affect local climates, latitude fundamentally determines the overall climate characteristics that define tropical rain forests, particularly in terms of temperature and precipitation.