With a little 'kelp,' this starfish is enjoying a change from its typical view of craggy tidal beds. Both passenger and vehicle in this photo, taken off California's coast, play important roles in their ecosystems. Canopies of underwater 'kelp forests' create habitats that support many varieties of sea creatures. Distinguished by broad leaves and spherical gas bladders that make the seaweed float, kelp is also part of the diet for many organisms. ('Many organisms' includes us: Kelp-derived algin is often added to ice cream to keep it from crystallizing).
