A rain forest is a dense woodland that receives an enormous amount of rainfall every year, typically more than 80 inches (some get over 400 inches!). These forests grow in warm regions near the equator, where it rains frequently and the temperature stays consistently high.

Rain forests are packed with life. The trees grow so tall and close together that their tops form a thick canopy that blocks most sunlight from reaching the ground. Vines twist around tree trunks, colorful birds call from the branches, and countless insects buzz through the humid air. Scientists estimate that more than half of all plant and animal species on Earth live in rain forests, even though these forests cover less than 7% of Earth’s land.

The Amazon rain forest in South America is the world's largest, stretching across nine countries. Other major rain forests exist in Central Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia. These ecosystems are vital: their trees produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and influence weather patterns across the planet.