Photo of the Day
Scanned by: Retouched by: DT-AY QC'd by: DT-AU GRADES :- A
January 4, 2009
Tree Frog Tadpoles, Costa Rica
Within days of being deposited on a leaf overhanging a stream, tree frog eggs grow into recognizable tadpoles. Bulbous yolk sacs provide nourishment. As the wrigglers develop, the gelatinous outer membrane decomposes, perhaps triggered by a chemical change in the tadpoles. One by one, they slide off to a life of their own in the water.
(Photo shot on assignment for "Nature's Living, Jumping Jewels," July 1973, National Geographic magazine)
Go Further
Animals
- A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.
- Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.
- Ringling Circus is back—but this time, without animalsRingling Circus is back—but this time, without animals
- Bears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts sayBears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts say
- A surprising discovery upends what we know about turtlesA surprising discovery upends what we know about turtles
- Cage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really meanCage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really mean
Environment
- Meet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid—and a genetic oddityMeet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid—and a genetic oddity
- How to compost—and why it’s good for the environmentHow to compost—and why it’s good for the environment
- Which cities will still be livable in a world altered by climate change?Which cities will still be livable in a world altered by climate change?
- Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why.Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why.
- How 200 volunteers pulled off a daunting cave rescueHow 200 volunteers pulled off a daunting cave rescue
History & Culture
- Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.
- Meet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survivedMeet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survived
- Inside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was bornInside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was born
- How the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been shaped by historyHow the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been shaped by history
Science
- The uncanny valley, explained: Why you might find AI creepyThe uncanny valley, explained: Why you might find AI creepy
- These 5 asteroids pose the greatest risk to Earth
- Science
These 5 asteroids pose the greatest risk to Earth - Women are more likely to be sleep deprived. Here’s why that’s so bad.Women are more likely to be sleep deprived. Here’s why that’s so bad.
- Asteroid sample returned to Earth tells of ancient solar systemAsteroid sample returned to Earth tells of ancient solar system
Travel
- How a commuter bridge turned into a bucket-list experienceHow a commuter bridge turned into a bucket-list experience
