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Photograph by Sue Hazlett, My Shot
Ocean waves leave behind patterns in the sand on a beach in Alaska. -
Photograph by Julius Diaz, My Shot
Rough outer skin on a cantaloupe melon appears to be a maze or labyrinth. The sweet orange inside is a favorite in fruit salads.
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Photograph by Peter Yu, My Shot
Crocodiles are often hunted illegally for their hides, which are used in shoes, handbags, and belts. The American crocodile population is threatened.
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Photograph by Sharilynn Mcdermott, Your Shot
Native Americans taught colonists to grow indigenous corn, which included varieties of yellow corn that are still popular as food. Corn kernels can also be red, blue, pink, or black, as well as banded, spotted, or striped, and are often used in fall decorations
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Photograph by Gunter Hofer, My Shot
Lichens are a combination of two organisms, most often composed of fungus and algae. They grow on soil, rocks, and tree bark. Squamulose lichens (pictured) are tightly clustered and slightly flattened pebble-like units.
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Photograph by Katrina Papanastassiou, My Shot
Mango leaves have a leathery texture and can grow up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) long. Mature leaves are dark green with a complicated network of veins. When the leaves are young, they are usually red.
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Photograph by Bernardo Cesare, Your Shot
Microscopic views of ocean jasper reveal a universe of colors. Most jasper is red, green, brown, or yellow and is often polished and used in jewelry.
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Photograph by Jens Troeger, My Shot
The mushroom coral uses its colorful mouth to feast on adult jellyfish. Unlike reef-building corals, mushroom corals—among the world’s biggest polyps at up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) wide—live as individuals.
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Photograph by Scott Cronwright, My Shot
The full fan of the male peafowl's tail feathers accounts for more than 60 percent of the bird’s total body length. The luminous feather "eyes" consist of blue, gold, red, and other hues. The large train is used in mating rituals and courtship displays.
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Photograph by Jo Ann Snyder, Your Shot
The Stapelia grandiflora plant produces a star-shaped bloom ranging in size from 6 to 24 inches (15.2 to 61 centimeters) wide. It emits a nasty scent which attracts egg-laying flies.
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Photograph by Tim Laman
A zebra's skin is black; only its fur is distinctively striped. The patterns are as unique as fingerprints—no two are exactly alike—although each zebra species has its own general pattern.
