Light permeates an insect-eaten leaf in Caribbean National Forest, Puerto Rico. The only tropical rain forest in the United States' national forest system, Caribbean National Forest is a 28,000-acre (11,330-hectare) preserve to the east of the capital, San Juan. It receives, on average, a whopping 15 feet (4.5 meters) of rain each year. (Photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "The Case of the Missing Carbon," February 2004, National Geographic magazine)

For legendary 19th-century scientist Charles Darwin, orchids, like the dew-beaded beauty shown here, epitomized the theory of natural selection, the belief that plants and animals evolve with traits favoring survival and reproductive success. By this measure orchids are a sensational success, with 24,000 species and 60,000 registered hybrids, far more than any other flowering plant on Earth. (Photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Was Darwin Wrong?" November 2004, National Geographic magazine)

Palm leaves, called fronds, are traditional symbols in many religions.

A gecko sheds its perfectly camouflaged skin on a tree branch in Madidi National Park, Bolivia. Covering 4.7 million acres (1.9 million hectares) in northwestern Bolivia, Madidi encompasses 19,000-foot (5,791-meter) glaciers in the west, rain forests in the east, pampas in the north, and cloud forest and dry forest in between. It is one of the most biologically diverse areas in South America. (Photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Madidi National Park," March 2000, National Geographic magazine)

Sunflowers bloom under a brilliant blue sky between the towns of Siena and San Gimignano in Italy's Tuscany region. In the Tuscan countryside people start their day quite early, just before dawn, but wind down in the early afternoon for siesta. Shops reopen in late afternoon and dinner usually isn't served until 9 p.m. (Text adapted from and photograph shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Siena: Italy's Very Own Magic Kingdom," September 2003, National Geographic Traveler magazine)

This Month in Photo of the Day: Travel and Culture Photos Captured one morning along the River Avon, this beautiful swan was cleaning itself before stretching its wings in a classic pose. The early morning sun rays add to the surreal image as they burn away the river mist. This photo and caption were submitted to Your Shot. Have a great shot? Send it to us for possible publication in National Geographic magazine.

This Month in Photo of the Day: Nature Nestled 3,000 feet [900 meters] deep into Havasu Canyon lies the land of the Havasupai. The native Indians are named for the area, the people of the Blue Green. The area is known around the world for its blue waters and spectacular waterfalls. Havasu Creek, a year-round stream with incredible aquamarine water, flows by the village and descends another 1,400 feet [425 meters], passing over five waterfalls. Navajo Falls is the most secluded and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This photo and caption were submitted to My Shot. Create and share albums, puzzles, and games with your photos in our My Shot community.

This Month in Photo of the Day: Nature This lucky picture of swans was taken while out taking photos of other wildlife on Leque Island in Stanwood, Washington.

唯美，神秘~！::21:

This month in Photo of the Day: Images From the National Geographic Archive New Jersey's triple threat: the Koralja triplets—Andrew, Joseph, and Robert, from left—combine 42 years of service on the police force. From the National Geographic book The Image Collection.