Did you know the world's largest tropical forest is partly formed by seeds emerging from poop? Ecologist Ludmila Rattis reveals the surprisingly fruitful benefits of letting nature take care of its own business, sharing how the digestive habits of tapirs — pig-like creatures that roam Amazonia — spread seeds that help regenerate the forest and promote climate resilience worldwide. (Even nature's waste is put to good use!)

Ludmila Rattis: How poop turns into forests

How poop turns into forests

In Brazil, tapirs' unique diet of fruits and long walks makes them nature's gardeners, spreading seeds to foster forest regrowth.

Dung beetles, in tandem with tapirs, further seed dispersal, illustrating a complex ecosystem cooperation for forest resilience.

The future of forests may hinge on animal contributions like tapirs', highlighting the urgency of habitat preservation efforts.