From rural life in India to a chick growing inside its embryo and a sea turtle eating a purple jellyfish, the Society of Biology has released their stunning photography competition shortlist. This year's theme of Home, Habitat and Shelter drew almost 800 entries from amateur photographers competing to win the top prizes of £1,000 for over-18s and £500 for younger participants. The organisers encouraged photographers to “think creatively about the unique ways animals, plants and organisms exploit their environment in order to survive”. Photographic insights into biodiversity, genetic diversity and conversation issues were encouraged, as were pieces using light microscope techniques to explore the theme from another angle.

“A Shelter Designed by Nature”. Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines: A shelter designed by nature by Robert Cabagnot. (Photo and caption by Robert Cabagnot/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)

“Spider Like From Another World”. Bulgaria, Predel: Spider, like from another world by Krasimir Matarov. (Photo and caption by Krasimir Matarov/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)

“Meal Time”. Madoogali, Ari atoll, the Maldives: Meal time by Boris Barath. (Photo and caption by Boris Barath/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)

“Courage Doesn't Always Roar”. Kabini, Karantaka, India: Courage doesn’t always roar by Nagarjun Ram. (Photo and caption by Nagarjun Ram/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)

“Bisons on Grand Prismatic Spring”. Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming, US: Bisons on Grand Prismatic Spring by Lukas Gawenda. (Photo and caption by Lukas Gawenda/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)

“Man-Made Forest”. Rodriguez in Rizal, Philippines: Man-made forest by Ysabel M. Victoriano. (Photo and caption by Ysabel M. Victoriano/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)

“A Lively Belly in the Freshwater”. Sesia valley, Piedmont, Italy: A lively belly in the freshwater by Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola. (Photo and caption by Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)

“Life and Environment”. Nal Sarovar, near Ahemadabad in Gujarat, India: Life and environment by Dimple Pancholi. (Photo and caption by Dimple Pancholi/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)

“Spectral Tarsier”. Tangkoko, Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia: Spectral tarsier by Wolfgang Weinhardt. (Photo and caption by Wolfgang Weinhardt/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)

“Parental Care in Parasitoid Wasps”. Brunei Darussalam, Borneo: Parental care in parasitoid wasps by Thomas Endlein. (Photo and caption by Thomas Endlein/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)

“Striving Succulent”. Kolmanskop Ghost Town, Namibia: Striving succulent by Kelsey Green. (Photo and caption by Kelsey Green/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)

“The Suburban Mum”. Utterby, Lincolnshire: The suburban mum by Billy Clapham. (Photo and caption by Billy Clapham/UK Society of Biology Photography Award 2014)