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)
Bebe Rexha performs on stage at the 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam, Netherlands, November 6, 2016. (Photo by Yves Herman/Reuters)
American rapper Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, known professionally as Doja Cat performs at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 21, 2021. (Photo by Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)
A model presents a creation made of plastic cutlery during Trash Fashion Show in Macedonia's capital Skopje, on Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Teams from 47 high schools from Macedonia participated in the show with creations made of redesigned materials from waste such as plastic bags, newspapers, cardboard, plastic bottles, cans, used paper, etc. (Photo by Boris Grdanoski/AP Photo)
John Klatt and the Air National Guard MXS (right) and Mike Wiskus and the Lucas Oil Pitts take to the skies at the Memphis Airshow, on Sat., September 26, 2016 in Millington, Tenn. (Photo by Brandon Dill/Invision for John Klatt Airshows, Inc./AP Images)
Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd's personal mobility concept airbag car "Flesby" is displayed at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan, October 28, 2015. (Photo by Yuya Shino/Reuters)