ERs ae ae SU Te aa NN (Ne GEOGRAPHIC £ “ in mun A aTkids e chemistry Getting the next generations excited about chemistry is important for humankind’s future. That's why we've created “Kids’ Lab” in more than 30 countries, where the young ones can learn about chemistry and science in a fun, hands-on way. Little students and test tubes. finally getting along? At BASF, we create chemistry. www.basf.com/chemistry PUREEVOL, 222+NO. 4 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Some plant leaves have become specialists in deadly tricks page 69 28 62 2 ‘You can buy nearly anything from a vendor along the 50-plus miles of Rio beaches: Popsicle, ball, cover-up emblazoned with the citys statue of Christ the Redeemer. October 2012 Ivory Worship ‘A National Geographic investigation reveals how the religious art market fuels ivory smuggling. By Bryan Chvisty Photographs by Brent Stton The Glory of Leaves Sleek or prickly, waxy or spiny, pure green or silvery white ..why do they look the way they do? By Rob Dunn A New Face for Rio With the Olympics coming in 2016, the city is spending millions to fix up its hillside slums. By Antonio Regelado Photos by David Alan Hervey ez Amazing Mesoamerican Reef In this world, mangrove forests, sea grass beds, ‘and coral reefs strike a delicate balance. By Kenneth Brower Photographs by Brian Skerry 114 The Sky Caves of Nepal Explorers scramble up ciffs to find out who created these ancient dwellings. By Michael Finke! Photographs by Cory Richards My Neighbor, Mr. Badger The people moved away from their cottages in a rural Finnish town. And the animals moved in 8y Carolyn Butler Photographs by Kei Fagerstrém 136 IAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY