Second growth refers to the natural regeneration of forests after they have been disturbed or cleared, often due to logging, agriculture, or natural disasters. This process allows new trees and plants to emerge, creating a younger forest ecosystem that can eventually develop into a mature forest over time. The term is commonly used in forestry and ecology to describe the recovery of biodiversity and habitat. Second growth forests can support various wildlife species and contribute to carbon sequestration, making them important for environmental health and climate change mitigation.