Jungles

/ˈdʒʌŋɡəlz/ noun

Definition

Dense tropical forests with thick vegetation, found in warm regions near the equator.

Etymology

From Hindi 'jangal' meaning 'wilderness' or 'uncultivated ground,' borrowed into English through colonial contact in India. The word originally just meant 'wasteland' but took on specific ecological meaning.

Kelly Says

Rainforests and jungles are being called 'the planet's lungs'—they produce about 20% of the world's oxygen and store incredible plant and animal diversity, yet we're losing them at a rate of about 10 million hectares per year!

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