2021-02-19
Parrotfish off the coast of the Negros Oriental province in the Philippines (© Tim Fitzharris/Minden Pictures)
东内格罗斯省沿海的鹦嘴鱼，菲律宾 (© Tim Fitzharris/Minden Pictures)
These brightly colored parrotfish are swimming off the coast of the Negros Oriental province in the Philippines. Over 80 species of parrotfish live in abundant numbers in the world's tropical seas, with the most species diversity found in the Indo-Pacific region. These thick-bodied fish have large scales and a beak of fused teeth they use to diligently scrape off delicious algae from reefs and rocks. Some also eat coral, which they grind up with plate-like teeth in their throats. Researchers say parrotfish play a critical role in the health of coral reef by eating algae that can choke off coral growth. They also help replenish the white sandy beaches near these tropical reefs. How? After parrotfish digest the edible parts of coral, they excrete what's left as sand–a lot of sand. In some species, a single parrotfish can poop almost 1,000 pounds of pearly white sand each year. But never mind that–some trivia is best not to dwell on.
Parrotfish off the coast of the Negros Oriental province in the Philippines (© Tim Fitzharris/Minden Pictures)
东内格罗斯省沿海的鹦嘴鱼，菲律宾 (© Tim Fitzharris/Minden Pictures)
These brightly colored parrotfish are swimming off the coast of the Negros Oriental province in the Philippines. Over 80 species of parrotfish live in abundant numbers in the world's tropical seas, with the most species diversity found in the Indo-Pacific region. These thick-bodied fish have large scales and a beak of fused teeth they use to diligently scrape off delicious algae from reefs and rocks. Some also eat coral, which they grind up with plate-like teeth in their throats. Researchers say parrotfish play a critical role in the health of coral reef by eating algae that can choke off coral growth. They also help replenish the white sandy beaches near these tropical reefs. How? After parrotfish digest the edible parts of coral, they excrete what's left as sand–a lot of sand. In some species, a single parrotfish can poop almost 1,000 pounds of pearly white sand each year. But never mind that–some trivia is best not to dwell on.
2021-02-20
Clearing snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California (© Jeff Lewis/Tandem Stills + Motion)
暴风雪散去，加利福尼亚优胜美地国家公园 (© Jeff Lewis/Tandem Stills + Motion)
Of all the camera-wielding luminaries who've snapped this eastward view of Yosemite Valley, few can hold a 'candela' to Ansel Adams, born this day in 1902. The legendary photographer of Western landscapes was given his first camera here in Yosemite as a boy. The national park was his favorite place in the world, and he returned every year for the rest of his life.
Clearing snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California (© Jeff Lewis/Tandem Stills + Motion)
暴风雪散去，加利福尼亚优胜美地国家公园 (© Jeff Lewis/Tandem Stills + Motion)
Of all the camera-wielding luminaries who've snapped this eastward view of Yosemite Valley, few can hold a 'candela' to Ansel Adams, born this day in 1902. The legendary photographer of Western landscapes was given his first camera here in Yosemite as a boy. The national park was his favorite place in the world, and he returned every year for the rest of his life.