Pantropical

Pantropical is an adjective used in biogeography to describe the geographic distribution of a species, lineage, or taxon that occurs across tropical regions of the world. A pantropical distribution encompasses the tropical zones of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, typically spanning both Old World and New World tropics. It contrasts with distributions restricted to a single tropical region or with continental-scale subtropical or temperate ranges. Pantropical patterns may be continuous, stretching along equatorial belts, or discontinuous, with populations separated by oceans or unsuitable habitats.

The term is commonly applied to plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms whose ecological tolerances allow survival across diverse tropical environments, including rainforests, savannas, and coasts. Its occurrence is often the result of historical biogeography and dispersal: ancient widespread lineages, long-distance seed dispersal by animals and water, and extensive human-mediated transport and cultivation have established pantropical ranges for many taxa.

Examples often cited include the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), which is widely naturalized across tropical coasts, and various cultivated crops such as Musa banana and many tropical tree species. In research, pantropical species are used to study biogeographic patterns, niche breadth, and the processes that enable persistence across the world's tropical belt.