Rainforests are the Earths oldest living ecosystem. They cover 6% of the earth yet they contain more than 1/2 of the world's plant and animal species.
A Rainforest can be described as a tall, big jungle. The reason it is called a "rain" forest is because of the high amount of rainfall it gets per year. The climate of a rain forest is very hot and humid so the animals and plants that exist there must learn to adapt to this climate.
Rainforests are the source of many items that we all use in our own homes. We eat several foods from the rainforest and many medicines are made from ingredients found only in these areas.
Rainforests act as the world's thermostat by regulating temperatures and weather patterns.
One-fifth of the world's fresh water is found in the Amazon Basin.
Rainforests are critical in maintaining the Earth's limited supply of drinking and fresh water.