Rivers are flowing bodies of water that typically move from higher elevations to lower ones, eventually emptying into larger bodies of water like lakes or oceans. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing habitats for various species and serving as a source of freshwater for humans and wildlife alike. In addition to their ecological importance, rivers have been vital to human civilization throughout history. They have served as transportation routes, sources of irrigation for agriculture, and centers for trade and commerce. Notable rivers like the Amazon and Nile have shaped cultures and economies for centuries.