The Mayan Lowlands are mainly located on the Yucatan Peninsula. The peninsula projects into the Atlantic Ocean, and separates the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The basic formation of the Lowland peninsula is coraline limestone, with an average elevation of less than 500 feet above sea level. Exceptions include the southern area, which has an average elevation of 1500 feet above sea level. The surface varies from a coastal savannah to areas of tropical rainforests.
Although the surface areas are different, their temperatures remain relatively equal. The temperature is generally hot and usually in the mid 80’s. These temperatures are moderated by trade winds blowing from the ocean. The precipitation varies from season to season. The maximum precipitation occurs in the mid summer season. The average rainfall ranges from about 20 inches annually in the north, and 80 inches average in the southern parts of the Lowlands.
Due to the wide range
of environments, the Mayan Lowlands
contain many different animals and plants. Cactus, yucca, and agave are
plentiful in the northern area. In the southern area, tierra caliente is
thickly grown with a large variety of plants in the tropical rainforest area.
The trees in these areas include hardwoods, coconut palms, gum trees, almond,
fig, and olive trees.
Wolves
and coyotes are also found within the northern areas. The forest areas are also
inhabited by ocelots, jaguars, peccaries, bears, and pumas. Along the coast of
the Lowlands, a population of fur seals resides. The area provides a habitat
for many reptiles such as turtles, iguanas, rattlesnakes, and lizards. There
are many birds found in the Lowlands as well.
http://www.indians.org/natlit/maya.htm
http://udgftp.cencar.mx/ingles/Precolombina/Maya/temp20.html
Microsoft
Encarta '96 Encyclopedia
Maya Ruins in Central America in Color, by
William M. Ferguson and John Q. Royce, 1986.
Late Lowland Maya
Civilization, School of American Research Advanced Seminar Series, Edited
by Jeremy A Sabloff and E. Wyllys Andrews V, 1986.