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With its huge eyes, comical name and diminutive size, Mark R. Smith’s image of a baby Hawaiian bobtail squid can’t help but raise a smile. A curiously endearing creature, the cephalopod is just 1.5cm across, its mantle cavity bearing more than a passing resemblance to a rather natty shower cap. But it is also a beautiful example of symbiosis – nature’s version of “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” – for on the underside of the squid is a light organ which houses bioluminescent bacteria. The squid offers the bacteria protection and food, while the bacteria emit a glow – a handy trait that the squid uses to offset its silhouette, helping it to evade predators in the depths below. Mark R. Smith’s entry combines several images of a Hawaiian bobtail squid with different focus lengths to create a final picture with greater depth of field than normal. (Photo by Mark R. Smith/Wellcome Images/Macroscopic Solutions)

With its huge eyes, comical name and diminutive size, Mark R. Smith’s image of a baby Hawaiian bobtail squid can’t help but raise a smile. A curiously endearing creature, the cephalopod is just 1.5cm across, its mantle cavity bearing more than a passing resemblance to a rather natty shower cap. But it is also a beautiful example of symbiosis – nature’s version of “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” – for on the underside of the squid is a light organ which houses bioluminescent bacteria. The squid offers the bacteria protection and food, while the bacteria emit a glow – a handy trait that the squid uses to offset its silhouette, helping it to evade predators in the depths below. Mark R. Smith’s entry combines several images of a Hawaiian bobtail squid with different focus lengths to create a final picture with greater depth of field than normal. (Photo by Mark R. Smith/Wellcome Images/Macroscopic Solutions)
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08 Mar 2017 00:05:00
A fan waves a Brazilian flag before the arrival of the Olympic torch ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 2, 2016 in Sao Goncalo, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The torch will arrive in the city of Rio tomorrow and the Games commence on August 5. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

A fan waves a Brazilian flag before the arrival of the Olympic torch ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 2, 2016 in Sao Goncalo, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The torch will arrive in the city of Rio tomorrow and the Games commence on August 5. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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04 Aug 2016 12:44:00
Pope Francis passes past a portrait of himself as he arrives to meet youths in Santo Tomas University in Manila, Philippines, Sunday, January 18, 2015. Francis is in the Philippines on Sunday, the final full day of a weeklong trip that also took him to Sri Lanka. (Photo by Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photo)

Pope Francis passes past a portrait of himself as he arrives to meet youths in Santo Tomas University in Manila, Philippines, Sunday, January 18, 2015. Francis is in the Philippines on Sunday, the final full day of a weeklong trip that also took him to Sri Lanka. (Photo by Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photo)
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19 Jan 2015 12:36:00
Members of the Prizma Ensemble wearing full solid-coloured bodysuits walk pest ultra orthodox jewish men as they take part in the 6th Jane's walk Jerusalem in Jerusalem Israel. May 6, 2016. (Photo by Baz Ratner/Reuters)

Members of the Prizma Ensemble wearing full solid-coloured bodysuits walk pest ultra orthodox jewish men as they take part in the 6th Jane's walk Jerusalem in Jerusalem, Israel May 6, 2016. Jane's Walk is a global walking tour movement, inspired by US-Canadian author and activist Jane Jacobs. (Photo by Baz Ratner/Reuters)
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07 May 2016 13:06:00
In this Sunday, March 2, 2014 photo, animal barber Mohamed Mahmoud shaves a customer's initials onto the rump of a donkey in Cairo, Egypt. Clients typically request for regular trims to keep animals cool in the summer, initials in English letters, and patterns – but sometimes they give Mahmoud full creative license. (Photo by Maya Alleruzzo/AP Photo)

In this Sunday, March 2, 2014 photo, animal barber Mohamed Mahmoud shaves a customer's initials onto the rump of a donkey in Cairo, Egypt. Clients typically request for regular trims to keep animals cool in the summer, initials in English letters, and patterns – but sometimes they give Mahmoud full creative license. (Photo by Maya Alleruzzo/AP Photo)
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03 Nov 2014 12:53:00
A picture shows the full moon during a “blood moon” eclipse over the temple of Apollo in Corinth on July 27, 2018. The longest “blood moon” eclipse this century began on July 27, coinciding with Mars' closest approach in 15 years to treat skygazers across the globe to a thrilling celestial spectacle. (Photo by Valerie Gache/AFP Photo)

A picture shows the full moon during a “blood moon” eclipse over the temple of Apollo in Corinth on July 27, 2018. The longest “blood moon” eclipse this century began on July 27, coinciding with Mars' closest approach in 15 years to treat skygazers across the globe to a thrilling celestial spectacle. (Photo by Valerie Gache/AFP Photo)
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29 Jul 2018 09:47:00
A full size working replica of the pink limousine used by Parker to chauffeur Lady Penelope in Gerry Anderson's television series “Thunderbirds”, unveiled at Woburn Abbey. United Kingdom, 27th May 1968. (Photo by Jim Gray/Keystone/Getty Images)

A full size working replica of the pink limousine used by Parker to chauffeur Lady Penelope in Gerry Anderson's television series “Thunderbirds”, unveiled at Woburn Abbey. United Kingdom, 27th May 1968. (Photo by Jim Gray/Keystone/Getty Images)
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23 Apr 2014 09:51:00
“Just hanging out”. As full autumn hits the valley of Hallingdal in Norway, this bear chills out in a tree which seems to barely cover its weight. Photo location: Flå, Hallingdal, Norway. (Photo and caption by Jorgen Tharaldsen/National Geographic Photo Contest)

“Just hanging out”. As full autumn hits the valley of Hallingdal in Norway, this bear chills out in a tree which seems to barely cover its weight. Photo location: Flå, Hallingdal, Norway. (Photo and caption by Jorgen Tharaldsen/National Geographic Photo Contest)
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30 Apr 2014 07:35:00