BMC Ecology and Evolution 2022 Photo Contest Winners Announced. Chosen 12 best shots
Miscellaneous / / August 22, 2022
Curiosity and artistic taste are the most valuable qualities for such pictures.
A photo of a zombie fly with parasitic mushrooms sprouting from its head won first place in the BMC Ecology and Evolution competition. In total, four categories participated in the competition: “Relationships with nature”, “Biodiversity under threat”, “Life close by” and “Search for answers”.
The fly frame belongs to evolutionary biologist Roberto García-Roa of the University of Valencia and Lund University. The picture was taken in the Tambopata National Reserve in the Peruvian jungle.
This image shows a close evolutionary relationship spanning thousands and even millions of years. Spores of a parasitic fungus of the genus Ophiocordyceps enter the brain of a fly and force the insect to move to a more optimal place for the growth of the parasite. The fly is left to wait for death, and the mushrooms continue to sprout through its head. On the surface are parasitic spores, ready to infect other insects.
Roberto Garcia Roa
evolutionary biologist
According to Jennifer Harman, editor of BMC, the members of the senior editorial board of the journal applied all their competencies, that the works of the winners were perfect artistically and technically, and corresponded to scientific topics editions. Harman believes the selected photographs reflect the spirit of BMC, combining innovation, curiosity and integrity.
Winners and prize-winners of other categories:
"Relationship with Nature"
Waxwing with a rowan berry in its beak. The need for these berries in the diet of birds is one of the reasons for annual migrations.
The bat got itself a frog for dinner, recognizing its mating call.
"Biodiversity under threat"
African elephants hide from the sun under a baobab tree.
Australian frog with its offspring.
"Living Close"
Tree frog embryos.
The lizard Anolis aquaticus breathes underwater thanks to a bag of air.
"Searching for Answers"
Members of the expedition in protective masks during a thunderstorm.
Explorer among thousands of tree frogs.
Also featured by the jury
Bioluminescent fungi in the jungles of Borneo.
Plastic in the stomach of a sea bird.
Researchers scan the eggs of an endangered Bermuda typhoon.
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Cover: Lindsey Swierk, Alexander T. Baugh, Alwin Hardenbol / BMC Ecology and Evolution