Constant warmth and seasonal rainfall make Malaysia an ideal environment to support yearlong biological growth, giving rise to a vast array of beautiful tropical flora (plants) and fauna (animals), both terrestrial (live on land) and marine (live in water). How does your climate shape the flora (plants) and fauna (animals) you see? How does your climate impact your experience with your environment?
Malaysia’s sun, constant warmth and seasonal rainfall make it an ideal place to support growing plants. While beaches are bordered by sand, inland terrain gives rise to fertile (productive) soil which supports the year-round production of many crops like oil palm, rubber, cocoa, nasi (rice), coconut, pitaya (dragon fruit) and rock melon (similar to a cantaloupe). Crops provide the citizens of Malaysia with valuable nutrients and provide economic benefit. What a fruitful environment!
Don't be fooled by the beautiful sun or you’ll get burned! When I first came to Malaysia I had never experienced such extreme sun. The first day I met the Malaysian sun I was fooled by her bright, radiant charm. After spending a day outside basking in her rays, I returned to the hostel only to find she had sapped me of my energy and left me tired and dehydrated (lack of water). I promised I would never be fooled again! My friends suggested I use the covered paths to move throughout campus, drink plenty of water and avoid “traveling” during midday. I have put my friend’s suggestions into action and am happy to report I have not fallen prey to the sun since!
