The Tropics The Tropics are a latitudinal region bordered by the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The area of the Tropics represents all the regions of the earth where the sun passes directly overhead, at least once a year. This occurs throughout the year at the Equator, at the summer solstice at the Tropic of Cancer, and at the winter solstice at the Tropic of Capricorn. Thanks to their relationship wih the sun, the Tropics are generally hot and humid all year round. As a rule, this zone's climate also encourages diverse vegetation and animal life but continents in this band lacked domesticated animals and crops which hampered their development.