[originaltext] The threat posed by the development of rice and palm oil plan

The threat posed by the development of rice and palm oil plantations to tropical trees in South-East Asia has been underestimated, a study has suggested. Rice and oil plantations accounted for 38% of deforestation between 2000 and 2012, the research showed.(1)As well as being important carbon sinks and rich in biodiversity, tropical forests provide fuel and food for coastal communities.
     (2)Daniel Richards from the National University of Singapore told reporters that a study of eight countries around the world between the 1970s and the early 2000s found that 54% of deforested tropical trees were replaced with ponds used for fish or shrimp production. "Our study found that fish farming was still important but we were surprised that in South-East Asia between 2000 and 2012, just 30% of deforested tropical trees were replaced with ponds." explained Richards.
1. Which of the following is a benefit of tropical forests mentioned in the news?
2. What does Daniel Richards find from his study?