The Amazon rainforest is known as the "lungs of the Earth" because it produces around 20% of the world's oxygen. It is also home to a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are not found anywhere else on the planet. The rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and water cycle, and it is an important source of biodiversity and natural resources. Additionally, indigenous communities have lived in and depended on the Amazon for thousands of years, making it an integral part of their cultural heritage.