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Many of nature’s creatures could put on their own version of a Milan fashion show. With their eye-catching coats of fuzzy algae, fluttery tiered layers, star patterns, and delicate crimson strands, they would inspire even the most particular designer.
The remarkable coat of algae on this river cooter turtle, one of the animals in One Cubic Foot, isn’t an original. Summer in the Tennessee River is “good growing season,” says photographer David Liittschwager. River turtles commonly have algae on their shells then, explains Don Hubbs of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, because they “spend a lot of time both feeding in the river and then basking on logs and onshore.” Their shells provide an ideal place for algae to attach and grow.Somalia’s capital city of Mogadishu is a war zone. Rival militias, al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam, as well as the Transitional Federal Government, fight for control of the city. Bombings, kidnappings, and shootings are part of everyday life. Ironically, the food centers run by the Somali nonprofit SAACID are some of the safest places to be.
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