The Amazon forest, also known as the Amazon rainforest, is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering an area of approximately 5.5 million square kilometers in South America. It is home to an incredibly diverse array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The Amazon plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, storing carbon, and maintaining biodiversity. However, the forest is facing significant threats from deforestation, primarily due to agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the Amazon and its invaluable ecosystem services.