Amazon rainforest

The Amazon rainforest is a vast tropical forest located in South America. It is the largest rainforest on Earth. The forest spreads across nine countries, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia. A rainforest is a type of forest with heavy rainfall and warm temperatures throughout the year. The Amazon is known for its thick trees, wide rivers, and constant moisture.

The Amazon rainforest grows around the Amazon River, one of the longest rivers in the world. Many smaller rivers flow into it. These rivers carry water through the forest and help shape the land. During the rainy season, some areas flood. This creates wetlands, which are places where land is often covered by shallow water.

The forest has many layers of plants. The top layer is called the canopy. It is formed by tall trees whose tops block much of the sunlight. Below it are shorter trees and plants. The forest floor is the lowest layer. Very little light reaches it. Because of this, plants there grow slowly. This layered structure supports many different forms of life.

The Amazon rainforest is home to many species. A species is a group of living things that share the same features. The forest contains mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Trees and plants grow close together. Some plants climb others to reach light. Many animals live in trees, while others live on the ground or in rivers.

People have lived in the Amazon region for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples are groups whose ancestors lived in an area long before modern nations formed. They built villages near rivers and used forest resources for food and shelter. Today, large cities such as Manaus are also found in the region.

The Amazon rainforest continues to change. Roads, farms, and towns have altered parts of the forest. Scientists study the Amazon to understand how forests work and how rivers, plants, and animals interact. The Amazon remains one of the largest natural regions shaped by climate, water, and living things.