Rainforests are dense, lush forests typically found in tropical regions characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. They are home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are not found anywhere else on Earth. Rainforests play a crucial role in regulating the global climate, storing carbon dioxide, and producing oxygen. However, they are also increasingly threatened by deforestation, logging, agriculture, and climate change. Research in rainforest ecology focuses on understanding the complex interactions between species and their environment, as well as finding ways to conserve and protect these vital ecosystems.