National geographic february 2011

Table of Contents Under Paris You’ll find bones, stones, miles of tunnels, and legal—and illegal—tourism. Features Feather Feather Evolution Who had them first, why did they spring up (hint: sex may have had a lot to do with it), and when did they take flight? Opium Wars A key step toward peace in Afghanistan is to wipe out poppies—one of the country’s most profitable crops. Artificial Reef From Relics to Reefs Fish can’t resist a sunken subway car, tank, or ship. Snub-Nosed Monkeys Its quirky face may help China’s snub-nosed monkey cope in a brutal clime. Concussions The Big Idea: Brain Trauma Even small hits to the head can lead to brain deterioration. Editor's Note In this issue, Robert Draper and David Guttenfelder cover Afghanistan's dangerous opium story. Flashback: Feathers in Her Cap In an image from 1926, Mae Vavrea tops off her turban with a Japanese bantam rooster. Visions of Earth Each month, National Geographic features breathtaking photographs in Visions of Earth.