What are the hidden secrets of Amazon forest?

 The Amazon rainforest is not only one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, but it also holds numerous hidden secrets that scientists continue to uncover. Here are some of the most intriguing hidden aspects of the Amazon:

1. Undiscovered Species

• Biodiversity: The Amazon is home to an estimated 10% of the world’s species, and many remain undiscovered. New species of plants, insects, amphibians, and even mammals are frequently being found, especially in its remote areas. Over 400 new species were discovered in just four years between 2014 and 2017 .
• Hidden Microorganisms: Scientists believe that the Amazon harbors countless microorganisms that could hold keys to new medicines, with fungi and bacteria possessing unique properties due to the unique environmental conditions.

2. Lost Civilizations

• Ancient Cities: Contrary to the belief that the Amazon was always a pristine wilderness, recent studies using LiDAR technology (a form of laser scanning) have revealed ancient cities buried beneath the forest canopy. These cities, constructed by advanced civilizations before the arrival of Europeans, had intricate roads, plazas, and possibly even pyramids .
• Terra Preta (Amazonian Dark Earth): Evidence shows that ancient civilizations in the Amazon created “terra preta,” a highly fertile, human-made soil that was capable of supporting large populations. This raises questions about how sophisticated these cultures were in terms of agricultural practices.

3. Medicinal Plants and Unknown Cures

• The Amazon is sometimes called the "pharmacy of the world" because of its vast array of medicinal plants. Indigenous tribes have long used plants for healing, and many of these plants hold the potential for treating modern illnesses. For example, the quinine found in the bark of the cinchona tree has been used to treat malaria . It is believed that the rainforest contains many more undiscovered cures for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

4. The "Flying Rivers" Phenomenon

• Aerial Rivers: The Amazon plays a critical role in regulating the climate, not just in South America, but globally. The trees release massive amounts of water vapor through transpiration, which forms "flying rivers" in the atmosphere. These airborne rivers are responsible for rainfall across vast regions of the continent and even influence weather patterns as far away as the United States .

5. Isolated Indigenous Tribes

• The Amazon is one of the last places on Earth where uncontacted tribes still exist. These indigenous groups, numbering around 100, live in isolation and have limited to no contact with the outside world. Their way of life, which has been preserved for centuries, offers a glimpse into humanity's past. They have developed sophisticated survival techniques, living harmoniously with the forest’s resources .

6. The Boiling River

• Hidden deep in the Peruvian Amazon is the Shanay-Timpishka, or the Boiling River, a four-mile-long river where the water can reach near-boiling temperatures (around 200°F). The phenomenon is not fully understood, but it's believed to be caused by geothermal activity beneath the forest .

7. Electric Fish and Unique Wildlife

• The Amazon River is home to unusual and powerful creatures like the electric eel, which can deliver a shock of up to 600 volts. Additionally, species like the pink river dolphin (boto), piranhas, and poison dart frogs add to the region’s mysterious and exotic wildlife.

8. Climate and Environmental Role

• The Amazon functions as the planet's “lungs,” producing around 20% of the world's oxygen through photosynthesis. However, its ability to store carbon also plays a crucial role in regulating global temperatures. Deforestation is threatening this delicate balance, with vast areas being cleared for agriculture, reducing the forest's capacity to act as a carbon sink .

9. Mysterious Geoglyphs

• In parts of the Amazon, particularly in Brazil, over 450 geoglyphs have been found carved into the earth. These geometric shapes, including circles and squares, are believed to be remnants of ancient rituals or meeting places used by early Amazonian civilizations .

10. The Amazon's Canopy: An Unexplored World

• Much of the rainforest's biodiversity exists within the treetops, and the Amazon canopy is considered one of the least explored regions on Earth. Entire ecosystems exist at these higher levels, and scientists are only beginning to understand the interdependence of the plants and animals that thrive in the treetops.

In summary, the Amazon's hidden secrets range from its ancient civilizations and uncontacted tribes to its mysterious natural wonders and potential medical discoveries. The rainforest continues to be a treasure trove of mystery and biodiversity, revealing new wonders to scientists and explorers alike.