Hollowdomes (Rotundus spp.)

Creator: MNIDJM
Ancestor: [[Greenhouse Cryodome]]<br>[[Hollowdome]]<br>[[Pioneer Hollowdome]]<br>[[Temperate Hollowdome]]<br>[[Rainforest Hollowdome]]
Habitat: Sagan 4 Global
Size: 2 cm - 16 cm Diameter
Support:: External (Chitin-based lens shell)
Diet: Photosynthesis
Respiration:
Thermoregulation: Ectothermic (Lens directed basking)
Reproduction: Asexual, Budding

The '''hollowdomes''' are a group of [[Glass Flora|glass flora]] best distinguished from the others by their distinctive rounded dome shape and a hollow core which they fill with nutrients to store for the harder times. These nutrients are stored in the form of glycogen suspended in the stored water. Separating the outer chitinous lenses and the fungus-like core is a network of airgaps which trap heat, making it much warmer inside than the air outside the dome. The intricacy of this insulation varies from between species depending on the climate, with species in warmer environments having less developed insulation. All species require readily available amounts of sunlight, not doing well in areas of shade. The only method of defense they have to prevent shading is to crowd out other flora to prevent them from growing over them. If this fails they will use , their root system to attempt to grow away from the area, using the heat from the sun on the soil to sense where to grow.

Reproduction is carried out typically by budding off of the root systems. If the root system spreads far enough from the bulb they will begin forming a new sprout. These sprouts are typically reliant on the parent to provide the foundational nutrients before they grow large enough to begin photosynthesizing on their own. Fungal cores, if separated from the main body due to damage from predation, can also form new bulbs if they are able to take root in the soil and have enough internal nutrients to survive. Bulbs repair themselves by first repairing the fleshy core, and then scabbing over with grows that will later develop into the chitin shells.

They can be found on all major continents of the world, however they are absent from the more isolated landmasses such as Fermi, Jaydoh, Maineiac, and Truteal due to the separation.

=Integrated Species=

* [[Hollowdome]]

* [[Pioneer Hollowdome]]

* [[Temperate Hollowdome]]

* [[Rainforest Hollowdome]]

Added more details

I went more in-depth

Art is added

With the end of the first Week post revival, we've decided to have a diorama contest to pass the time waiting for Week 27 to be open! You do not need to be a Sagan 4 team member to participate; entries from fans are welcome.

Rules:
- You may only enter one diorama for the contest.
- The diorama must be in color.
- It must depict an ecosystem in Week 26.
- The ecosystem must be depicted accurately (ie. if it's a forest and there are sufficient flora present in it, it should look like a forest.)
- All species depicted must be reasonably accurate to their size and biology. Feel free to ask their creators for anatomical help.
- The diorama must have at least 2 out of 3 of the following: flora, fauna, or microbes. eg, flora and fauna, flora and microbes, fauna and microbes, or all three.
- Unless the given ecosystem has fewer species, a minimum of 5 species must be present in the diorama.

To enter, all you have to do is draw any Week 26 ecosystem (listed here) and submit your entry in this thread using this form:

CODE

[image] Artist: Biome: Flora: Fauna: Microbes:

One week after we reach 3 entries, contest submissions will be closed and we will hold a vote.
First Prize: One extra Wildcard use for a species under 1 meter. Diorama displayed on front page of website
First, Second, and Third Place: Diorama displayed on front page of website
Everyone Else: Diorama featured on the wiki page

We look forward to seeing your entries!

QUOTE (OviraptorFan @ Jan 23 2022, 06:56 PM)

Any updates on this?

Yep

QUOTE (OviraptorFan @ Jan 23 2022, 06:55 PM)

Any updates on this?

Yep

QUOTE (OviraptorFan @ Feb 3 2022, 04:33 AM)

You say they can’t really defend themselves if caught out of the water other than using intimidation, but I feel like the bill could be used as an effective weapon by delivering a nasty bite. It feels like your phlock is more gracile than their ancestor, is this intentional?

Well deer and antelope can deliver painful kicks, that's more an act of desperation and not a usual tactic of defense.

As for looking more gracile, it's just a byproduct of it doubling in length and height. The Purple Phlock is stubbier, but this boy is 3x the mass on average. Also since fleeing is its primary defense.

QUOTE (Coolsteph @ Jan 29 2022, 05:44 PM)

"Overtime," Over time. "Fast growing": "Fast-growing". "Despite their lifestyle they are not strong swimmers[...]" This sentences needs to be split up: it's too long. "algae" What kind of "algae"? There technically aren't any algae on Sagan 4, so much as algae-like organisms. "help somewhat camouflage" I recommend re-phrasing that. "many defense" Many defenses. " food and warms." "food and warmth". "midspring": mid-spring. "out crops": Out crops. I wonder...does Fermi's geology even allow for outcrops? I assumed a flat beach, rather than something like the chalk cliffs of Dover. The fact they eat the displays once mated suggests the males only mate with one female per mating season. Does this habit align with having elaborate growths for the breeding season? Typically, in peacocks and deer, males mate with multiple females in a breeding season. Could you add some shading to the beak? This can't be approved until Colonialballs are approved. Alas, these just missed being food for the Hypnotizer Waxfaces.

Fixed these. The eating the horns is similar to how deer will at least partially eat their antlers once they shed them after spring. I reworded it.

QUOTE (OviraptorFan @ Jan 30 2022, 07:04 PM)

Hm, so why is it uniformly purple? The soil it wanders around on is black due to its volcanic nature, so I imagine it should be darker in color. Perhaps the Rackettoon may be a good reference in how a previously purple plent may look on Fermi?

Oh on the discord I said it was just a temp image I whipped up at work. The new one is up (but still WIP)

Camouflage among purple flora.

Made it purple

Fixed

Approval Checklist:
Art:
Art Present?: Y
Art clear?: Y
Gen number?: Y
All limbs shown?: Y
Reasonably Comparable to Ancestor?: Y
Realistic additions?: Y

Name:
Binomial Taxonomic Name?: Y
Creator?: Y

Ancestor:
Listed?: Y
What changes?:

• External?: Coloration, Antler-like horns
• Internal?:
• Behavioral/Mental?:

Are Changes Realistic?: Y
New Genus Needed?: N

Habitat:
Type?: 1/2
Flavor?: 1/3
Connected?: Y
Wildcard?: N

Size:
Same as Ancestor?: N
Within range?: Y
Exception?: N/A

Support:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: Y
Other?: N/A

Diet:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Transition Rule?: NA
Reasonable changes (if any)?: NA

Respiration:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Thermoregulation:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Reproduction:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Description:
Length?: Good
Capitalized correctly?: Y
Replace/Split from ancestor?: Split
Other?: NA

Opinion: Approved

Approval Checklist:
Art:
Art Present?: Y
Art clear?: Y
Gen number?: Y
All limbs shown?: Y
Reasonably Comparable to Ancestor?: Y
Realistic additions?: Y

Name:
Binomial Taxonomic Name?: Y
Creator?: Y

Ancestor:
Listed?: Y
What changes?:

• External?:
• Internal?: Sexual reproduction
• Behavioral/Mental?: Colonial living

Are Changes Realistic?: Y
New Genus Needed?: Y (done)

Habitat:
Type?: 1/2
Flavor?: 2/3
Connected?: Y
Wildcard?: N

Size:
Same as Ancestor?: N
Within range?: Y
Exception?: N/A

Support:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: Y
Other?: N/A

Diet:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Transition Rule?: NA
Reasonable changes (if any)?: NA

Respiration:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Thermoregulation:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Reproduction:
Same as Ancestor?: N
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Description:
Length?: Good
Capitalized correctly?: Y
Replace/Split from ancestor?: Split
Other?: Replaces other bubblegea species

Opinion: Approved

Approval Checklist:
Art:
Art Present?: Y
Art clear?: Y
Gen number?: Y
All limbs shown?: Y
Reasonably Comparable to Ancestor?: Y
Realistic additions?: Y

Name:
Binomial Taxonomic Name?: Y
Creator?: Y

Ancestor:
Listed?: Y
What changes?:

• External?: Stockier fusiform body, Wing tips,
• Internal?: Fused micro-lings
• Behavioral/Mental?: Emotive calls

Are Changes Realistic?: Y
New Genus Needed?: Y (Done)

Habitat:
Type?: 2/2
Flavor?: 2/3
Connected?: Y
Wildcard?: N

Size:
Same as Ancestor?: N
Within range?: Y
Exception?: N/A

Support:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: Y
Other?: N/A

Diet:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Transition Rule?: NA
Reasonable changes (if any)?: NA

Respiration:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Thermoregulation:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Reproduction:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Description:
Length?: Good
Capitalized correctly?: Y
Replace/Split from ancestor?: Split
Other?: NA

Opinion: Approved

Wading Phlock (Salopabulator fermindiges)

Creator: MNIDJM
Ancestor: Purple Phlock
Habitat : [[Fermi Polar Beach]], [[Fermi Temperate Beach]], [[Fermi Temperate Coast]], [[Fermi Polar Coast]]
Size: 1.4 m Long
Support: Unknown
Diet: Herbivore ([[Colonialballs]], [[Pioneeroots]], [[Marbleflora]], [[Snotflora]]), Photosynthesis
Respiration: Active (Lungs)
Thermoregulation: Endotherm
Reproduction: Sexual, Live Birth, Two Genders

The '''wading phlock''' are the descendants of the [[Purple Phlock|purple phlock]] native to Fermi. Their evolution was driven mainly as a response to predation of species on the island and increasing competition driving them to more extreme niches. They have begun inhabiting the intertidal zones of Fermi, wading out into the water to feed on purple flora out in the surf. Over time, only those filling this niche were successful in reproducing, leading to the local extinction of its ancestor.

They are very social and travel in large herds grazing on the fast-growing purple flora. They spend their days moving in herds, feeding on flora both on the beach and in the water. This resource has proved beneficial, as the flora on the beaches of Fermi have strong competition, especially in the winter when growth slows. Despite their lifestyle they are not strong swimmers, instead walking across the seabed as they graze relying on their bulk to keep them planted. Their slow moving pace allows some plankton and mesofauna to grow on their skin, which can help assist in camouflaging them in the water. out of the water their dark blue coloration works to blend them into the black sands of the coast and beach. If strong currents sweep them out into deeper waters their blubber provides some assistance in swimming, though generally they will drown.

The surf also provides protection from predators such as the [[Snowstalker Tuskent|snowstalker tuskent]]. If sighted they will warn others by making a tooting sound from their butt-nostrils. They do not have many defenses other than raising up their wing-leaves to try to scare away predators. Failing this they will flee into the ocean hoping the predators will avoid them. During colder months they will migrate up north to the temperate coastal areas in search of food and warmth.

Males have developed display growths on their wings which grow in every mating season to attract females. These displays are dangerous for the males, as they make them stand out even more and put them at risk of predation. Females mate with those with the most elaborate displays, as they increase in complexity with age and vitality, ensuring they have the healthiest offspring with the fittest males. Once mating season ends the displays will fall off and be consumed by the males or pregnant females to make use of the expended resources. These horn-like displays will litter the beach and surf and become a readily available source of scavengeable food. They reproduce frequently and with many offspring, usually mating in the winter months so their young will be born in mid-spring when food is plentiful. They nest on the beaches near outcrops to protect the young. While the females tend to their offspring, males will keep watch for predators.

Approval Checklist:
Art:
Art Present?: Y
Art clear?: Y
Gen number?: Y
All limbs shown?: Y
Reasonably Comparable to Ancestor?: Y
Realistic additions?: Y

Name:
Binomial Taxonomic Name?: Y
Creator?: Y

Ancestor:
Listed?: Y
What changes?:

• External?: Rock camouflage, Tail club
• Internal?: Salt excretions, Tendons,
• Behavioral/Mental?: Sit -and-wait hunting strategy

Are Changes Realistic?: Y
New Genus Needed?: Y (done)

Habitat:
Type?: 2/2
Flavor?: 1/3
Connected?: Y
Wildcard?: N

Size:
Same as Ancestor?: N
Within range?: Y
Exception?: N/A

Support:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: Y
Other?: N/A

Diet:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Transition Rule?: NA
Reasonable changes (if any)?: NA

Respiration:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Thermoregulation:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Reproduction:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Description:
Length?: Good
Capitalized correctly?: Y
Replace/Split from ancestor?: Split
Other?: NA

Opinion: Approved

Approval Checklist:
Art:
Art Present?: Y
Art clear?: Y
Gen number?: Y
All limbs shown?: Y
Reasonably Comparable to Ancestor?: Y
Realistic additions?: Y

Name:
Binomial Taxonomic Name?: Y
Creator?: Y

Ancestor:
Listed?: Y
What changes?:

• External?: Feather crest, Enlarged nostrils
• Internal?: Nostril nerves, hip socket
• Behavioral/Mental?:

Are Changes Realistic?: Y
New Genus Needed?: Y (Done)

Habitat:
Type?: 2/2
Flavor?: 2/3
Connected?: Y
Wildcard?: N

Size:
Same as Ancestor?: N
Within range?: Y
Exception?: N/A

Support:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: Y
Other?: N/A

Diet:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Transition Rule?: NA
Reasonable changes (if any)?: Y

Respiration:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Thermoregulation:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Reproduction:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Description:
Length?: Good
Capitalized correctly?: Y
Replace/Split from ancestor?: Split
Other?: NA

Opinion: Approved

Approval Checklist:
Art:
Art Present?: Y
Art clear?: Y
Gen number?: Y
All limbs shown?: Y
Reasonably Comparable to Ancestor?: Y
Realistic additions?: Y

Name:
Binomial Taxonomic Name?: Y
Creator?: Y

Ancestor:
Listed?: Y
What changes?:

• External?: Expanded plating, Mimicry tail feathers
• Internal?: Oral teeth ring
• Behavioral/Mental?:

Are Changes Realistic?: Y
New Genus Needed?: Y (Done)

Habitat:
Type?: 2/2
Flavor?: 2/3
Connected?: Y
Wildcard?: N

Size:
Same as Ancestor?:
Within range?:
Exception?: N/A

Support:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: Y
Other?: N/A

Diet:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Transition Rule?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: NA

Respiration:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Thermoregulation:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Reproduction:
Same as Ancestor?: Y
Does It Fit Habitat?: Y
Reasonable changes (if any)?: N/A
Other?: N/A

Description:
Length?: Good
Capitalized correctly?: Y
Replace/Split from ancestor?: Split
Other?: NA

Opinion: Approved

Would this actually need coloration to protect from predators? It doesn’t currently have any in those environments that I can find

Image is done

Any other major contention with this one?

Approved

Ah true, like their ancestor it's adapting to act more as a stabilizer/tail