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Madamedusa Vine (Donecaudamus gorgon)

Creator: colddigger
Ancestor: Baebula
Habitat: Raptor Tropical Rainforest, West Wallace Tropical Woodland, Dixon Subtropical Woodland, Dixon Subtropical Rainforest, Dixon Tropical Woodland, Wallace Tropical Rainforest, Central Wallace Tropical Woodland
Size: Vine Segment (1 Meter), Full Body (Tall as Host)
Diet: Photosynthesis
Support: Cell Wall (Cellulose), Flotation Bubbles (Hydrogen)
Respiration: unknown
Thermoregulation: None
Reproduction: Sexual, Hydrogen Filled Seed Bubbles

The Madamedusa Vine split from its ancestor and took on a very different lifestyle. Rather than attempting to fully support it's entire body on its own it has now begun using other Flora as a support system. In combination to the sudden loss of the limiting factor of needing to support its own weight, as well as the demand to compete for light and resources with its host, The Madamedusa Vine has taken on a climbing sprawling lifestyle, essentially becoming a vine. It has traded its central trunk and branching body form for a repeating pattern of segments along a branching central cord. At each node of segment multiple dormant buds exist to replace damaged cord or activate when the growing tips are too far away to maintain their dormancy, as this state is held by constant hormonal exposure.

Tethers

These internodal segments are capped off by the bulbous float tethers. The base of the cord is large and hollow, an artifact from initially being the leading tip of its segment before the next segment grew out from it. This hollow starts out rich in hydrogen, the gas compound being created more quickly that it can escape in the young tissues, but becomes a mixture of CO2 and hydrogen as it matures and no longer needs to act as a growing point. Two dormant lobes hang off the face of the cord, pointing opposite of where the cord grows, these become active if the float is destroyed or broken away. They simply grow to become new tethers and create new floats.

Holdfasts

Immediately off the base of the tether grows a wiry holdfast, sharing in structural origin to the tether and float. At the ends of these twisting, gripping, strands are an uneven pair stipules of sorts followed by four thin hairs for grasping even more firmly. The flat stipules are derived from the leaves of the more classic Baebula float, while the hairs are derived bubble seed tissue. These holdfasts are typically split into threes. There is a dormant bud at the base that replaces them if they're damaged.

Floats

The float at the end of the unbranched tether has several layers to it's construction. The first layer is actually derived from the asexual bubble seeds, having migrated down below the leaves, they no longer act as a standard means of reproduction and instead are the main source of floatation. The distinct bubbles that form the irregular mass have walls only four cells thick to minimize mass, with the inner wall housing nanostructures meant to minimize hydrogen loss. The ballast for the float is actually the tapered end of the drooping tether. The following organ layer is the skirt of leaves that go all the way around the float. The once flat structures are now ballooned and sausage-like in appearance from a hollow inner chamber.

Bubble Seeds

The top layer of the float is a newer organ system. Bubble development occurs in a counter-clockwise fashion, with bubbles occurring one after another in gradual maturity. The ancestral bubble seed was a specialized asexual structure for reproduction, it's cells were chromosomally the same as the somatic cells found through the rest of the bubble weed body. The large structures were made of many cells, and growth could be found all across the surface of the bubble until maturity. The bubbles of the Madamedusa Vine are comparable, initially being chromosomally indistinct from other somatic cells during early development. Eventually a point of growth on the young bubble seamlessly transitions into a haploid state, these cells then dominate the growth of the bubble.

At a size large enough to be noted when observing the wheel of bubbles atop the float, the developing bubble grows a unique tube structure, hollow inside and unbroken from the hydrogen bladder inside the bubble. This growth is a gametangium and begins shedding haploid cells from its outer surface in the form of airborne gametes, or sexual spores. These sit on the surface that created them until they're brushed, or blown, or bumped, upon which they puff away as a cloud.

As the bubble matures further the gametangium continues to elongate into a wispy thread form, it ceases spore production and creates a thin layer of mucus on its surface. The wisp moves with air currents, resulting in it covering more volume of its surroundings than if it were to remain still. If a spore from a Madamedusa Vine, including itself, lands on the wisp it is shuttled to the base via mucus where it fuses with a haploid cell of the bubble. This results in dozens of zygotes before the wisp stops producing mucus.

Spreading

Once no more mucus is produced the wispy thread growing off the bubble dies and desiccates, it becomes nothing more than a light crinkled wire sticking out. During this period the existence of zygotes trigger the bubble to produce and accumulate a noxious yellowing compound in it's walls to deter foraging from [[Minikruggs]] or [[Floraverms]]. By the time the wire is completely dead and dry the bubble will have fully matured. The point of connection between the parent flora and the bubble will release, the circle of bubbles will appear to shift slightly counter-clockwise as undeveloped bubbles become revealed. The loose bubble will float away at the mercy of the winds, with the brittle wire hanging beneath it. If the wire catches on something, hopefully a large tree, due to it's twisted shape it is likely to snag and hold the bubble in place. Many bubbles however simply drift off and die before bumping into a host.

Establishment

Stuck on a twig or branch it's merely a matter of time for the hydrogen, no longer in production, to escape from the bubble and cause it to lose buoyancy. As the sac of air sags downward it tugs on the wire holding it in place, eventually becoming too heavy and easily snapping it. The partially delayed bubble drifts down to the base of its perch, and settles on the ground. On the ground the bubble slowly flattens from pressure loss and its somatic cells slowly die, their nutrients seeping into the actively growing zygotes turned embryos.

These embryos, fed with the cytoplasm of the entire bubble, are able to take root as quickly as any other more conventional purple flora seed. Selection for quickly establishing embryos that can outcompete their siblings is strong, their proximity to one another due to sharing a single bubble causes this pressure. Sometimes a few settle into a dynamic in which they share their spot for anchoring into the soil, but normally a single root system manages to strangle out any others.

Growth

Initial above ground growth is of a simple, featureless, cord of tissue. This photosynthetic cord arches and flops over itself as it reaches upward but remains unable to support its own weight. Once reaching about 25 centimeters in length the growing tip begins enlarging to form a hollow inside it and activates hydrogen production. This large hollow filled with hydrogen lifts the cord upward, as it continues to grow and distinguish in shape from the cord it elongates and buds appear near its base. One of these buds develops into holdfasts, another begins to grow another cord, which very quickly starts the formation of a second hollow float. The new cord between these two floats experiences intercalary growth to elongate to a length of up to 1 meter. As the second float behind to mature it repeats the process, and this process repeats indefinitely.

The first float, or immature float tether, having grown into a slight teardrop shape, now develops what were once bubble seeds in it's ancestor. These structures are no longer uniform, sporadically growing to form a robust clump of extremely thin walled floats. The mass is dominated by a handful of floats, with many smaller forms surrounding them ready to grow and take their place if damage occurs. The leaf skirt grows up from the top center of the mass, pointing up as they grow and inflate, then draping down as they mature and get displaced but the circle of developing bubble seeds on top of the now fully formed float. The length of tether between the central cord and the float continues to grow via intercalary growth.

Maturation and Death

This method of segment formation continues as long as the hosting flora has points for the holdfasts to grasp. As the leading tip moves away from lower nodes it's suppressive influence on buds becomes deadened and the buds form their own growing tips and segments. Over the years other bubble seeds come to colonize the same host, as well as new branches growing off the central cord will proliferate, and the host will become saturated. Even with the hydrogen and thin translucent walls of the floats and tethers and growing tips lessening the burden of weight and the shadow of flora competition for light, the sheer number of floats shading out the host and the strangle hold of the holdfasts on any point that can be grabbed results in the death of the host. Often the remains will stand for several more years, even reinforced by the Madamedusa Vines covering it. Ultimately, though, it will topple to the ground and with it all the vines that lived there, on the ground the delicate vines are crushed by fauna, shaded out by tougher purple flora, and devoured by opportunistic herbivores and detritivores.

Metabolic Note

Because hydrogen is so capable of escaping containment, even when slowed significantly by nanostructures, the Madamedusa Vine has developed an enzyme that will oxidize excess hydrogen loose in cytoplasm using oxygen free radicals that inevitably result from aerobic metabolic activity. Other than the antioxidant effect of this activity two other results occur, one is the recapture of hydrogen in water, and the other is the creation of a slight source of heat energy from the bond formation. It's not enough to properly regulate their body temperature however.

This post has been edited by colddigger: Sep 9 2022, 08:00 AM

Name: Brazen Spoisoreth (Viisiprese bucinator)
Creator: OviraptorFan
Ancestor: Spoisoreth (Viisiprese olikostraca)
Habitat: Elerd Temperate Coast, Martyk Temperate Sea, Iituem Temperate Bay, Chum Subtropical Coast, Ofan Tropical Coast, Dorite Subtropical Bay, King Temperate Coast, Clarke Subtropical Coast, Javen Tropical Coast, Koopa Subtropical Coast, Jlindy Tropical Coast, Ninth Subtropical Coast, Dass Temperate Coast
Size: 80 centimeters long
Support: ?
Diet: Carnivore (Slender Miniswarmer, Minibean, Wolley, Snatcherswarmer, Bloister, Hitchhiker Scuttler, Scuttleball Gillfin, Diamond Pumpgill, Sucker Swarmer, Gömböc Roj, Nerius, Bulky Hammerhead, Flat Swarmer, Left-Right Scalucker, Floating Pumpgill, Twinkiiro Gilltail, Eggorger Swarmer, Gulperpump, South Polar Shardgill, Gillarill, Rojerius, Kiturorm, Ray Flat Swarmer, Groping Slither-Slider, Clarke Cleaner Echofin, Nectascooter, Follower Gilltail, Speckled Pumpgill, Scorpioraker, Scootatrunk, Trunk Frabuki, Field Swarmer, Finback, Gulperpump, Urmelia, Onamor, Rugged Scuttler, Charybdaran, Blind Moonlit Nerius, Moonlit Dancer, Mooncrest Hammerhead, Dixon Finback, Bora Scuttler, Dunki, Microswarmers, Swarmerkings, Whip Swarmers, Meiouks, Crawling Meiouk, Krillpedes, Miniswarmers, Belumbias, Grabbyswarmers, Miniwhorls, Eusuckers, Shimmering Marephasmatises, Dragon Marephasmoids, Larvaback, Scuttlers, Frabukis, Squidwhals, Common Gilltails, Lesser Bloisters)
Respiration: ?
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Reproduction: Sexual Reproduction (Hermaphrodites, Spores)

The Brazen Spoisoreth is a split from their ancestor who moved into warmer climates, while their ancestor remains in polar refugia. Being adapted to live in both temperate and tropical temperatures, the Brazen Spoisoreth is found in most of the coastal waters around Wallace, as well as the northern coastal areas of Lamrack. In many ways, this species is very similar to their ancestor in terms of anatomy and lifestyle. The shell of the Brazen Spoisoreth is still in the shape of a corkscrew, helping to anchor it in the sediment and thus making it harder for it to be dislodged by a predator or the elements. One change seen to the shell is it turning from dark green to yellow-brown, helping it provide some basic camouflage by having predators mistake the top part of the Brazen Spoisoreth for a rock or the sediment. The anterior tentacles of this species still help it with pushing aside sediment to create more room for it as the Brazen Spoisoreth grows.

The head of the Brazen Spoisoreth still possesses five heat sensors around the mouth, though they have also developed the ability to detect very basic contrasts of light and dark. These help the species detect both prey and potential predators, which then allow it to respond accordingly. If the approaching organism is too big to be considered prey, the Brazen Spoisoreth will retract its head and feeding tentacles and seal them behind five mobile plates like their ancestor, the plates being made of the same material as its shell. If the approaching organism is determined as prey, it will instead extend its tentacles towards the target, hopefully snatching it and piercing its hide with its retractable fangs. These fangs still deliver a potent toxin that quickly causes paralysis and a quick death, meaning the prey stops struggling quickly and makes feeding easier. The mouth of the Brazen Spoisoreth still has highly elastic skin, allowing it to swallow prey larger than one would usually expect. After consuming a relatively large organism, the Brazen Spoisoreth will close its “petals” and enter a state of torpor as it digests the meal. Any minerals extracted from the meal will be used to grow their shell and fangs while any remaining waste will be later expelled from the five canals on the head when the Brazen Spoisoreth stirs and opens itself up again.

The Brazen Spoisoreth has made a few important changes from its ancestor in terms of reproduction, as it now utilizes sexual reproduction. Populations that live in temperate waters will reproduce when the winter months end and temperatures increase, while those in tropical waters will reproduce year-round. The way the species reproduces is fairly similar to its ancestor at a casual glance, as they are broadcast spawners, expelling gametes into the water so they can be carried by the currents. If they are lucky, the gametes will meet up with those of other Brazen Spoisoreths and merge together. When the gametes get fertilized, they will change into young free-swimming larvae that will then seek out a place to settle down. Once they burrow into a spot, they will mature into a small version of their adult form and remain in that spot for their entire lives.


A Brazen Spoisoreth with its "petals" closed.


A close up of a Brazen Spoisoreth, showing the detail of its mouth, eyes, and waste openings.

Alright guys! Here is my swap with @sad-dingus (chillypaz)! This species also tries to explain the anatomy of its ancestor, thanks to consistent input from Rhodix as I was making it, so its easy to understand. The one bit that might need some additional input was the reproduction, where any comments and suggestions will be highly appreciated!

This post has been edited by OviraptorFan: Jan 30 2023, 03:29 PM

Digging Filterpeders (Balaenacaris spp.) (baleen-shrimp)
Creator: Disgustedorite
Ancestor: Krillpedes
Habitat: Continental Shelves (Shallows-Midnight), Barlowe (Intertidal and Mangal Zones), Drake (Intertidal and Mangal Zones), Fermi (Intertidal and Mangal Zones), Koseman (Intertidal and Mangal Zones), Lamarck (Intertidal and Mangal Zones), Ramul (Intertidal and Mangal Zones), Steiner (Intertidal and Mangal Zones), Vonnegut (Intertidal and Mangal Zones), Wallace (Intertidal and Mangal Zones), LadyM Ocean (Larvae), Jujubee Ocean (Larvae), Mnid Ocean (Larvae)
Size: 1-5 cm long
Support: Exoskeleton (Chitin)
Diet: Planktivore
Respiration: Passive (Porous Cuticle)
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Reproduction: Sexual (Spores)

Digging filterpeders split from their ancestor and diversified. Unlike their ancestors, they are not planktonic as adults. Instead, they live on the sediment and dig little burrows using their legs. They dig their burrows perpendicular to the flow of water and will sit at the entrance with their heads exposed, letting water flow through their baleen. When they sense danger with their long antennae, they quickly retreat backwards into the burrow. As in their ancestors, the scutes on their backs have nothing to do with respiration--in fact being homologous with the components of their tail fin. Rather, like a primitive arthropod, they respire through microscopic pores in their cuticle. This has always been the case at least as far back as the Segmentocauda Atrumrepo, with species that have evolved other respiratory systems doing so in order to respire better, similar to the many independent origins of gills in arthropods.

Digging filterpeders have gained sexual reproduction. They exit their burrows to spawn, and their spores meet those of others of their species to produce zygotes. These grow into free-living planktonic fetuses which live similarly to krillpedes and feed on microorganisms. Once their cuticle has developed, they settle on the seafloor and make their first burrow. They usually do not stay in the same place their whole lives; they may crawl or swim away to migrate somewhere more favorable if there is not enough food or if they are threatened by predators.

The burrows of digging filterpeders break up microbial mats and oxygenate the sediment. This makes them ecologically important, not just for food but for making the seafloor habitable to other organisms such as obligate burrowers, sediment-dwelling microbes, and rooted flora.

There are many species of digging filterpeder. The vast majority are found in shallow water along coasts or hidden in the shallows of mangrove swamps. Some species live in the intertidal zone, feeding at high tide and hiding in their burrows at low tide. Their diet is made up primarily of phytoplankton, including unicellular algae and microswarmers, so deep water species are rarer. The deepest-living species are found on the midnight zone sea floor, where they rely on marine snow for sustenance.

--

So it turns out that while there are genus regions for each ocean, there is only one genus region for the entire seafloor? That doesn't seem right.

Longjake (Megapufolong hongzongmao) (red-maned mega-shrew-dragon)
Creator: Disgustedorite
Ancestor: Longjack
Habitat: Fly Tropical Beach, Fly Tropical Coast, Hydro Tropical Beach, Hydro Tropical Coast, Hydro Tropical Mangal, Time Subtropical Beach, Time Subtropical Coast, Time Archipelago Subtropical Beaches, Time Subtropical Mangal, Oz Subtropical Beach, Oz Subtropical Coast, Oz Subtropical Mangal, Anguan Temperate Coast, Anguan Temperate Beach, Anguan Archipelago Temperate Beaches, Barlowe Temperate Mangal, Abello Temperate Beach, Abello Temperate Coast, Abello Archipelago Temperate Beaches, Ittiz Temperate Beach, Ittiz Temperate Coast, Ittiz Archipelago Temperate Beaches, Ittiz Temperate Mangal, Nergali Subtropical Beach, Nergali Subtropical Coast, Clayren Temperate Beach, Clayren Temperate Coast, Clayren Archipelago Temperate Beaches, Clayren Temperate Mangal, Maineiac Temperate Mangal, Maineiac Archipelago Temperate Beaches
Size: 6 meters long (excluding tail)
Support: Endoskeleton (Bone)
Diet: Omnivore (Marine Crystals, Flashkelps, Amphibious Flashkelp, Hairy Flashkelp, Tlukvaequabora saplings, Carnosprawl saplings, Mangrovecrystal saplings, Goldilackaruck, Coastal Goth Tree, Pelagic Puffgrass, Raft-Building Cone Puffgrass, Florisland, Orangemat, Orangemosses, Redmosses, Chainswarmers, Swarmerweed, Gut Anemoweeds, Colonial Bubblgea, Twinkiiros, Twinkorals, Marbleflora, Chambered Bobiiro, Lacrimuck, Brushrums, Digging Filterpeders, Lesser Bloisters, Scuttlers, Frabukis, Seamaw, Snapper Scuttler, Bloister, Cleaner Crastrum, Triloraker), Scavenger
Respiration: Active (Lungs)
Thermoregulation: Endotherm/Gigantotherm
Reproduction: Sexual (Male and Female, Live Birth)

The longjake split from its ancestor. It has elaborated on its ancestor’s semi-aquatic habits and now lives mostly in water. Much of its fur has been replaced with scales like those on its ancestor's underbelly, except for a mane running down its back, which is vibrant orange in males and black in females. The mane is stiff and waterproof, and it aids in swimming similar to an eel’s fin. As the tails of tamjacks are adapted to swing side-to-side, the longjake has evolved to swim primarily with a left-right undulation of its body and tail. It is a slow swimmer, preferring to walk on the sediment while searching for food. Its eyes, ears, and nostrils are placed high so that it may take a breath quickly and peer above water without exposing itself.

Unlike its ancestor, the longjake will consume both flora and fauna. It will upturn either one with its snout, uprooting rooted flora and tossing fauna from the sediment so that it may eat them entirely. It is immune to the poison of marine crystals. It will also consume floating flora and pull puffgrasses and goth trees right off their rafts. There is very little it will not eat, as its teeth can crush shells and grind wood and chitin, and its use of hindgut fermentation allows it to digest tough flora and meat at the same time. It will even scavenge from carcasses. This helps it maintain its large size in its aquatic choice of habitat.

Like its ancestor, the longjake has a saw on its tail which can severely injure any would-be attacker. A well-aimed strike can disembowel or decapitate.

Like its ancestor, the longjake lacks a functional pouch and gives live birth to fairly well-developed young capable of running soon after birth. It walks onto land to do so, but juveniles will follow their mother into the water and nurse while swimming. They are independent as soon as they are weaned. Juveniles commonly flee onto the beaches to escape from predators.

Name: Fermiblades (Valadanis fermiensis)
Creator: OviraptorFan
Ancestor: Polarblades (Valadanis frigus)
Habitat: Fermi Plains, Fermi Steppe, Fermi Subpolar Volcanic, Fermi Prairie, Fermi Bush, Fermi Temperate Volcanic
Size: 40 centimeters tall
Support: Cell Wall (Cellulose)
Diet: Photosynthesis
Respiration: Passive (Stomata)
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Reproduction: Sexual (Seeds, Airborne Spores), Asexual (Budding through roots)

As the inland areas of Fermi were completely barren aside from taxa found within genus groups, it presented an opportunity for anything living around the coastal beaches, deserts, and southern tundras to thrive with no competition at all. While for fauna the area still is a bit too barren for colonists to settle, for local flora it was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. One of the first colonists of these inland areas is a split from the Polarblades that moved away from colder parts of Fermi as well as its temperate beaches, known as the Fermiblades.

In many ways it's the exact same as its ancestor, sharing many of its anatomical traits as they suited it well for the relatively cool and dry inland areas of Fermi. For example the waxy insulating outer covering of its leaves still provides protection from the elements by retaining precious water and heat. The leaves are also still serrated, making them painful to eat for the local species Minikruggs that might otherwise try to feed on them. The waxy coat still tints the leaves to a darker shade of purple.

The reproduction of the Fermiblades is pretty similar to their ancestor, being able to utilize both sexual and asexual reproduction to create the next generation. The species can still release spores into the air, which can be carried quite a distance until they land in the center of another Fermiblades and fertilize it. After that, the individual will grow their singular shining seed, which attracts certain species of Minikruggs that bury their food for storage. If they are left uneaten, the seed will grow into a whole new Fermiblades. The species can also still breed asexually by growing new individuals from their root systems, which in turn helps them rapidly colonize new areas in a similar fashion to how their ancestors settled the inland areas of Fermi in the first place.

The most prominent difference seen in this species, even if its minor, is its much greater height, having become over twice the size of its ancestors. This not only makes them the largest species of the genus Valadanis yet to have evolved, it also makes them much bigger than any competing flora in the area like the pioneeroots or the sunstalks and thus gives them a competitive advantage. The success of the Fermigrass clearly shows, as the areas they live in are covered in vast fields of this species. The dominance of this violetgrass will however not last forever, as while its the first species of flora to colonize the areas of Fermi, it will not be the last.

Alright guys! This is the first of six different I have in the works for the inland areas of Fermi! The continent really needs some love and attention and this species of puffgrass is the first step towards giving it said love and attention! Do give any comments and critiques, as they are very appreciated! I will not that the edges of the flora in the artwork are intentionally choppy, since the species does have serrations lining the leaves and i imagined the rough edges would help clearly depict that. I will also say this submission tries to clear up the anatomy of the violetblades and compile them all into a single species, as such I might have gotten the reproduction bit wrong but it was the only way I could see it utilize sexual reproduction. If you guys have any objections or alternate ideas on how the reproduction of other violetblades worked, I’m all ears!

This post has been edited by OviraptorFan: Sep 12 2022, 08:55 PM

Name: Skunk's Pheres (Fuzzotestudo sulpurapilus)
Creator: OviraptorFan
Ancestor: Fuzzy Beachballs (Fuzzotestudo caep)
Habitat: Fermi Plains, Fermi Steppe, Fermi Subpolar Volcanic, Fermi Prairie, Fermi Bush, Fermi Temperate Volcanic
Size: 8 centimeters wide
Support: ?
Diet: Photosynthesis
Respiration: ?
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Reproduction: Sexual (Very Resistant Spores), Asexual (Super Fast Budding)

With the inland areas of Fermi being only dominated by the Fermiblades, it presented a population of Fuzzy Beachballs to colonize the area and thrive. Over time, Fuzzy Beachballs that grew in these inland areas would develop adaptations to survive in the area and eventually split off into a new taxon of their own right. The competition provided by the Fermiblades meant these descendants, known as the Skunk's Pheres, did best in areas where the violetgrasses struggled to grow. This included small ridges too steep for the valadanaceans to take root as well as large boulders that lack any soil. Because the Skunk's Pheres produce an adhesive secretion, they can stick on these surfaces without falling off, and thus they can avoid direct competition with the Fermiblades and thrive. While they do best in areas Fermiblades won't grow, Skunk's Pheres can grow alongside the violetgrasses, though they often are less common since they get shaded out.

Much like their ancestors, the Skunk's Pheres use their darker coloration to better absorb sunlight, while the fuzz that covers their entire surface still helps with retaining heat. Because of these ancestral adaptations, the Skunk's Pheres can still get enough sunlight to survive being overshadowed by Fermiblades as well as tolerate the cooler winter months that are prevalent on Fermi. In especially cold times, these stickyballs can still go dormant, conserving their energy reserves until the days get longer and temperatures rise once more with the return of spring. During this time of plenty, Skunk's Pheres will rapidly bud new individuals asexually, which helps keep up with Minikruggs nibbling on them. Another defense these organisms possess, however, is the moderate amounts of sulfur present in their tissues. Absorbing the sulfur from the volcanic soil and rocks they grow on, Skunk's Pheres are slightly yellow in coloration due to the decent amounts of sulfur they take in. The sulfur acts as a predator deterrent, as most species of Minikruggs find the taste of sulfur unpleasant and thus will leave these stickyballs alone, though a few specialized species will ignore the sulfur taste and feed on the Skunk's Pheres anyway.

When the area becomes overcrowded by populations of Skunk's Pheres, they will stop budding and switch to sexual reproduction. Certain Skunk's Pheres will burst open and release gametes into the air, which get carried by the wind until they meet those of another individual and fuse together. Being fertilized, the resulting spore will then land on the ground somewhere and become a new individual, who will begin budding asexually soon after.

Alright guys! Here is the second species of flora I got planned for the Inland areas of Fermi! This species also tries to elaborate on some features seen in their ancestors such as reproduction, so any input on these would be helpful!

This post has been edited by OviraptorFan: Sep 12 2022, 06:16 PM

Name: Korshuum (Glebarubinus coccinatruncus)
Creator: OviraptorFan
Ancestor: Fat Korystal (Rubinitheca iceageus)
Habitat: Fermi Plains, Fermi Steppe, Fermi Subpolar Volcanic, Fermi Prairie, Fermi Bush, Fermi Temperate Volcanic
Size: 50 centimeters tall
Support: ?
Diet: Decomposer, Detritivore
Respiration: ?
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Reproduction: Sexual (Airborne Spores), Asexual (Budding Through Mycelium)

As the inland areas of Fermi start to be colonized by flora, these organisms would proceed to die generation after generation. While these remains would be broken down by some decomposers like Supershrooms, all the decaying organic matter presented opportunities for other species to settle the region. This would take the form of some Fat Korystals moving inland, eventually splitting off and becoming a distinct species in their own right known as the Korshuum.

The largest difference seen from its direct ancestor is that the Korshuum breaks down decaying organic matter rather than merely absorbing whatever detritus is present in the soil. This change in diet correlates with the larger and much more extensive mycelium network, which grants the Korshuum a greater area for it to access decaying organic matter. If the mycelium network does encounter something like a rotting Teacup Sauceback or dead Fermiblades, they will release digestive enzymes to break it down into simpler compounds to then be absorbed. The mycelium can also still absorb nutrients from the soil, with these and the nutrients obtained from breaking down organic matter being used for energy. Any excess obtained will be then stored in the large bulbous trunk, which the Korshuum can use during lean periods where decaying organic matter is scarce.

While the Korshuum can bud new individuals from their extensive mycelium network, which they will often do during times of greater ecological stress, the three leaf-like crystals present at the top are still quite important for reproduction. These crystals branch out in a leaf-like shape, increasing surface area and thus also increasing the number of pores that they can release both kinds of haploid spores from. Instead of asexually releasing a spore that can be carried by the wind for long distances to then grow into an exact clone, the Korshuum has developed sexual reproduction, which in turn means that strategy no longer really worked. Instead, the species will release the two kinds of haploid spores when they detect heightened levels of moisture, which depending on the specific area the individual is growing in either results from a heavy rain or massive amounts of snow melting with the arrival of spring. Though the haploid spores can be carried a fair distance by the wind, they must land in water in order to actually continue the reproduction process. Once in water, the two kinds of haploid spores will merge with another haploid spore of their type, forming dikaryotic spores that will then merge with a different dikaryotic spore. The resulting spore modula is the final fertile state, being able to eventually grow into a whole new Korshuum. Their ability to utilize both sexual and asexual reproduction as well as being the largest decomposer in the region, despite being half the size of their ancestor, means the Korshuum is a highly successful species of flora within Fermi’s inland habitats.

Alright! The third species of flora out of six I got in the works for the inland areas of Fermi is done! This is also the first species of Crystal flora I have done! Any comments and critiques on It?

This post has been edited by OviraptorFan: Dec 3 2022, 05:08 PM

Name: Poorbion (Coprobulbus pinguistipes)
Creator: OviraptorFan
Ancestor: Polar Orbion (Propagnum polar)
Habitat: Fermi Plains, Fermi Steppe, Fermi Subpolar Volcanic, Fermi Prairie, Fermi Bush, Fermi Temperate Volcanic
Size: 1.5 meters tall
Support: Cell Wall (Cellulose)
Diet: Photosynthesis
Respiration: ?
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Reproduction: Sexual (Very Resistant Spores)

Although the inland areas of Fermi were being colonized by various kinds of flora, most of them were relatively small, which in turn meant any flora that grew larger than them would be able to avoid competing for light with them and thus thrive. This took the form of some Polar Orbions colonizing these areas and developing adaptations to live there, eventually splitting off and becoming the Poorbion. The largest difference seen in this species from their direct ancestor and distant cousins is their tissues being brown in coloration. This is due to the presence of the accessory pigment known as xucoxanthin, a pigment also found within terran brown algae such as kelps. By having this on top of their anthocyanin pigments, the Poorbions are especially good at getting energy from light primarily in the blue-green to yellow-green part of the visible spectrum, allowing it to avoid competition with other flora found inland such as the Fermiblades.

The Poorbions do share some traits with their ancestor, such as their large spherical trunk that helps store energy. These extra energy stores can help the Poorbions get by during times of environmental stress, such as during the colder winter months that are commonplace on the continent. The antifreeze proteins from their ancestors still assist the Poorbions with preventing ice crystals from forming within their cells, which could prove fatal.

Unlike its ancestors, the Poorbion no longer sheds their prongs which would then grow into identical clones, instead the species fully specializes towards sexual reproduction. When the prongs are fully mature, they remain attached and release gametes in the air which will then be carried by strong winds until they meet the gametes of other Poorbions and get fused together. The resulting spores will eventually land on the ground and germinate, becoming a new individual. The elongated stalk present within the Poorbion, as well as the greater height that initially evolved from a lack of competition, boosts their chances of reproductive success since it makes it far more likely for the gametes to be carried by winds for a greater distance.

Alright fellas! This is my second every species of Orbion (with the first one actually being my first ever species of flora and my second ever species)! This guy references a certain group of organism from another project, and kudos to you if you get the reference! Also this is the fourth out of six different flora species I have in the works for Fermi's inland habitats, and as usual any comments and critiques will be highly appreciated!

This post has been edited by OviraptorFan: Sep 27 2022, 06:32 PM

Trunklahn (Addictus moi)

Ancestor : Greater Lahn
Creator: colddigger
Height: 5 m Tall
Habitat: Drake Temperate Woodland
Diet: Photosynthesis, Detritivore, Carnivore (Offspring); Males Herbivore (Fuzzpile Seedlings and Berries, Syrup Ferine Seedlings and Berries, Sleeve Ferine Seedlings and Berries, Wafflebark Ferine Seedlings and Berries, Lurtress Seedlings, Lurspire Seedlings, Lurcreeper Seedlings, Marbleflora, Pioneeroots)
Support: Exoskeleton (Chitin)
Respiration: Semi-Active (Unidirectional Tracheae)
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm (Basking)
Reproduction: Sexual (Sequential Hermaphrodite, Eggs), Asexual (Parthenogenesis)

The Trunklahn split from its ancestor, competing with purple flora led to greater emphasis on the height of just a few wings. These wings become fewer and fewer, and larger and larger until the population became what they are now. The mass of wings that grew from the back of the female have become dominated by one wing that has redeveloped its structure into a singular trunk that supports branching growths off of the top and sides. Which wing becomes dominant to form the trunk is determined by greatest blood flow, which just happens to occur in the second front left wing in the majority of Trunklahn. Some individuals experience other wings becoming dominant, however.

Toward the base of the trunk there are offshoots that will point downward in order to anchor into the soil and help resist stresses that may topple it. When mature the other wings are shed or reabsorbed into the female body.

Although it has become a larger structure it still lacks any equivalent of a microphyll or leaflet, continuing to rely on structures that are primarily vascular systems as opposed to any particularly specialized tissue surface or organ for photosynthesis beyond what had already existed in its ancestors.

Being a lineage of worm it still relies on its unidirectional tracheal system in its primary body for all of its gaseous exchange needs. Because of this both the front and rearmost points of the body have moved in order to remain exposed above the surface to maximize their ability to pass air through this tracheal system.

When mature the primary occupying organ of the body of the female is the heart, to be able to move liquid up to the highest most points in the wing it needs to be comparably massive to the rest of the organs. The second largest system in the body are the reproductive organs for churning out offspring. Digestion and absorption of nutrients is performed entirely along the surface of the branching tongue-roots.

Obtaining CO2 and Function of Blood

Because all gas exchange occurs in the main body of the worm, where their respiration remains, it means that there is no gas exchange at the top of the wings where photosynthesis occurs. Due to this all carbon dioxide used for photosynthesis is passed to the top of the wings through the blood system. The blood does not actually exchange carbon dioxide into the atmosphere via exhaling, as heterotrophic worms do, rather it becomes a sink for co2 while oxygen ends up being fairly freely exchanged as it increases in concentration in the blood due to photosynthesis breaking water and creating more of it that enters into the lahn blood system. Due to this excess of oxygen mature worms tend to be a little bit anemic.

Unfortunately as the worm becomes more dependent on photosynthesis, actually becoming entirely dependent on it for energy purposes once fully mature, the carbon dioxide content of its blood goes down quite a bit. This is simply due to the difference between atmospheric carbon dioxide and the carbon dioxide found in the blood of typical active heterotrophs, the second being about a hundred times more concentrated than the first. This of course is what allows passive exchange of carbon dioxide from the blood into the atmosphere as a heterotroph exhales or however it happens to exchange waste gas with its environment. To get around this sudden drop in available carbon the Trunklahn employs parthenogenetically created offspring.

Parthenogenetically created males stay around their mother tree as long as the tree is alive. This captivation of them by the mother tree is maintained by the tips of specialized tongue-roots that stick out of the surface of the soil and secrete highly irresistible compounds derived from attractive pheromones. The males stick around the area going about their daily lives feeding and multiple times a day visit a tongue tip to consume the thin layer of secretion on it.

When not busy satiating their want for mucus the males feed primarily on any seedlings of purple flora they can find. These baby organisms are still rich in energy from their seeds and their tissues are still soft and easy to chew. This food preference has the added benefit of thinning potential canopy competition with Trunklahns in the area. When seedlings cannot be found they will settle for other small purple flora.

Similar to their mature counterpart the male worm will not exhale carbon dioxide as a waste gas, rather it has a hyperactive response to excess carbon dioxide in its blood by sinking it into reserves of carbonate that it stores in its body. When the mother tree senses that it's carbon contents is becoming low, then when one of the males begins feeding on a tongue-root tip it will suddenly become stuck and be wrenched downward into the soil where the tongue-roots will kill it to pull all of its carbonate stores from its body. The more complex carbon compounds are gradually broken down to be consumed as well, and any valuable minerals or nutrients along with it.

Sexual Reproduction

Sexually produced males are sporadically created as the chance arises, there is no particular breeding season. If a rogue male from another tree is sensed to be feeding from a tongue tip, which is determined via the tongue-root tip tasting them as it feeds, the tip will release true attractive pheromones. These pheromones will put the rogue male in an aroused state and it will mate with the comparatively massive female.

The resulting males from the coupling do not receive much favor from the tongue-root tips as their parthenogenetically born brothers. If one is tasted to be feeding the tip stops producing attractants all together until the male goes away. This weaning and prevention results in sexually produced males straying further away from their mother than their brothers, and becoming rogue wandering males often occurs. Many get picked off, but some stumble across a new Trunklahn with which they will breed. Others that survive but don't find a mate by the end of summer will eventually become large females themselves.

Winter Survival

Over the summer the males, regardless of the living situation, will bulk up fat stores on fallen fruit and whatever consumable vegetation they can find. When the temperature starts dropping they either find or create nearby burrows to overwinter while in a state of torpor. During this cold period the female tree will enter torpor as well, gradually absorbing the tissue that makes up it's wing beginning with the tips and branchings. The addicted males will still venture out every so often to attempt feeding on tongue-root tip mucus, only to be dragged down and consumed as the unwitting winter food stores of the female tree. Typically all males are devoured by the time spring emerges. If one somehow survives the winter it will remain in its burrow and mature into a young female tree.

Tidbits

On the death of a female all males under the tree's influence will scatter from the lack of attractant and stimulant. They all become rogue males that go through the process of either finding a mate or becoming a tree.

In areas with established Sleeve Ferine populations their seedlings will make up a large chunk of the males' diet. Although their toxic element contents are minimal enough that it won't affect the males, over time as the female feeds these elements will accumulate and through biomagnification can become quite concentrated. This results in stunted growth, fewer functional and males produced, and even the premature death of the tree. The lower number of males picking off other purple flora as well means the forests become denser in these areas and less spacious.

This post has been edited by colddigger: Sep 14 2022, 12:04 PM

Name: Lesser Steppespire (Ramocastillum ossavirgultum)
Creator: OviraptorFan
Ancestor: Branching Bonespire (Ramocastillum ramus)
Habitat: Fermi Plains, Fermi Steppe, Fermi Subpolar Volcanic, Fermi Prairie, Fermi Bush, Fermi Temperate Volcanic
Size: 5 meters tall
Support: Cell Wall (Cellulose)
Diet: Photosynthesis
Respiration: ?
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Reproduction: Sexual, Nuts containing many small, hardy seeds

While the niches of smaller flora were starting to be filled inland by various colonists, the niches of trees were still quite vacant. This would result in some Branching Bonespires colonizing the inland areas, splitting off and becoming a unique taxon of their own right. Known as the Lesser Steppespire, this new species shares many anatomical features with its ancestor, like their many branches ending in a set of leaves. Having originally evolved in their ancestor as a genetic mutation, this adaptation is still beneficial as it increases the overall surface area for photosynthesis. One major difference is that the Lesser Steppespire has shrunk to half the size of its ancestors, which is still big enough that it grows taller than any other flora in the area but also requires less energy to maintain and shortening the amount of time it takes for them to reach full size.

The thick trunk is still present, though the lack of any large herbivores in the area when the Lesser Steppespire evolved meant it was mostly for retaining moisture (which is useful in their range as the habitats often get arid at times). The extremely tiny spines that cover the trunk are still present, mainly adapted to deter minikruggs from crawling on or feeding upon them since larger herbivores are still absent at the thing this melanophyte evolved. These spines still break off into the hides of the kruggs, lodging themselves into the tissue and causing a persistent stinging sensation.

The Lesser Steppespire still possesses large petals at the very top that open up only at night, releasing a strong odor to attract the Inland Nectarworm. The pollen-stalks are still lined by motion-sensitive trigger-hairs, which will cause the petals to close up if an Inland Nectarworm lands on them. As the suctoradioid struggles to get out, it gets covered in a coat of pollen, so that when the petals open up on the next night the Inland Nectarworm can fly out and get itself trapped within the petals of a Lesser Steppespire and fertilize it. The flowers now only bloom at the start of spring and for only a couple weeks, as this is the time when the Inland Nectarworms become fully mature.
After getting pollinated, the Lesser Steppespire still produces a nut that contains many small and hardy seeds. Though the seeds are still tough enough to survive the digestive tracts of frugivores, the lack of said frugivores means the species relies on the nuts decaying with and the seeds falling down and landing on the soil. Eventually these seeds will grow into new Lesser Steppespires, with the fact that they do not get that far from the parent meaning Lesser Steppespires often grow in small but dense groves in the vast “grasslands” of Fermiblades.

Alright guys! Here is a species of tree for the inland areas of Fermi! This also allows me to take advantage of Buff's species and give them the attention they deserve. This is also the fifth out of six total flora I got planned for Fermi (though I might actually do a seventh species). As usual, any comments or critiques are highly appreciated!

This post has been edited by OviraptorFan: Sep 17 2022, 11:18 AM

Name: Inland Nectarworm (Nectavermis siccopteryx)
Creator: OviraptorFan
Ancestor: Nectarworm (Nectavermis primus)
Habitat: Fermi Plains, Fermi Steppe, Fermi Subpolar Volcanic, Fermi Prairie, Fermi Bush, Fermi Temperate Volcanic
Size: 3 centimeters long, 2 centimeter wingspan
Support: ?
Diet: Nectarivore (Lesser Steppespire), Sapivore (Sunstalks)
Respiration: Heterotherm (Basking, Heat from Muscle Activity)
Thermoregulation: Heterotherm (Basking, Heat from Muscle Activity)
Reproduction: Hermaphrodite, Resilient Eggs buried underground

As some populations of Branching Bonespires moved inland, they would be followed by Nectarworms as well. Over time, these Nectarworms would evolve alongside their Bonespire counterparts and split off into a unique taxon. This new species, known as the Inland Nectarworm, is pretty similar to a scaled up version of its direct ancestor for the most part.

When they hatch from their eggs and emerge from the ground, Inland Nectarworms will still feed on the sap of sunstalks, with the young possessing a sharp tongue to pierce the surface and lick out the sap. After constantly feeding for a week, the tongue with atrophy and a proboscis will grow out. At this point, the now mature Inland Nectarworm lives up to their name, as their diet for the rest of their lives consists of nectar. Being specialists of Lesser Steppespire nectar, Inland Nectarworms will fly around and smell the air for the distinct odor given off by the melanophytes’ petals, where they can then head towards the source. As they feed on the nectar, the Inland Nectarworm will rest and likely touch the trigger-hairs of the Lesser Steppespire, which then causes the petals to close up and trap them inside. At first the Inland Nectarworm ignores this, feeding on the nectar until there is no more nectar to consume, the whole process taking about eleven hours. Once the nectar-stalks run dry, the Inland Nectarworm begins to panic and struggles to escape, covering itself in pollen in the process. After about an hour, the petals open up and let the organism escape, so it can then fly over to another Lesser Steppespire and repeat the process.

After a week of this whole process, the Inland Nectarworms will stop feeding and come together in massive swarms. Within these swarms, the Inland Nectarworms will mate with as many individuals as possible to mix up the genomes of their offspring as possible. After this, they will fall down to the ground and dig out a shallow pit with their proboscis, then lay their eggs into the pit. By the time they bury the eggs in a thin layer of sand, the Inland Nectarworms are so exhausted that they will die not too long afterwards. All of the Inland Nectarworms dying provides a glut of food for local scavengers such as Minikruggs. The eggs left behind are still incredibly resilient, and remain dormant for about a year. Only when they experience long periods of cold in the form of winter and then feel steadily increasing temperatures due to the arrival of spring will the eggs hatch, which in turn is synchronized with the blooming of the Lesser Steppespires, allowing the whole cycle to repeat itself.

Alright guys! Here is a species that co-evolved with the Lesser Steppespire! Hope it looks good, and as usual any comments or critiques are highly appreciated!

This post has been edited by OviraptorFan: Sep 14 2022, 10:38 PM

Coppertop (Aeramentus eanasir)
Creator: HethrJarrod
Ancestor: Octhermas (Copperhead lineage)
Habitat: Otter Vents
Size: 50 μm wide
Support: Cell walls
Diet: Electrosynthesis (Thermoelectric)
Respiration: Anaerobic (Sulfur)
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Reproduction: Asexual (Binary Fission, Endospores), Horizontal Gene Transfer


Coppertops form mats of cells in cracks around hydrothermal vents. Here, they use the sulfur to dissolve the rock, and over many years create elaborate cave systems, sealed off from the outside. In these caves, a Coppertop colony will nearly completely cover the roof and floor of the cave with a sulfuric acid in between. Thanks to the high temperatures and acidic fluid, a Coppertop colony can generate the small amount of energy it requires from the heat, the cells that are receiving this energy are producing some form of food molecule that they then share with the rest of the colony

Life cycle of the Coppertop cell:

The coppertop cell begins its life as an endospore, made inside of its parent cell. This endospore helps transfer free electrons from the copper infused cell wall to mitochondria in the cell via conductive nanofilaments that cover its spore coat. When the adult cell dies, the spores are released to be free floating particles into the colonial chamber. During this release period two layers of protective protein, acting as extra insulaton from the heat as well as together having thermoelectric properties, are added to the endospores to cover them and their nanofilaments; The nanofilaments becoming sandwiched between the layers.

The thermal conductivity between the components in an Endospore drastically differs from each other. Although the entire colony is rather hot due to proximity to hydrothermal vents, there is still a "warm" and "cool" side to the hollow inside the colony, this gradient in temperature only increasing in age and size of the group. While the free-floating endospores (now able to play the role of the metabolically dormant caste "thermoplast" in the colony) spends time on the hot side of the chamber in contact with the tiny copper plates of active cells the outer layer of thermoelectric proteins will quickly rise in temperature, while the inner layer heats up more slowly due to having a higher "specific heat capacity". The structure of the outer protein layer will shift at a particular temperature, which in turn makes attachment points available. A third, and quite stable, insulation protein then latches onto the outer layer of the free-floating endospore in order to prevent that component from losing its temperature as quickly as the rest. Once the Endospore is coated with this insulating protein it becomes a functioning Thermoplast.

The Thermoplasts then move to the cold side of the Coppertop colony, releasing excess electric charge generated by the flow of heat between the two protein layers via the Seebeck Effect. The electric charge created across this temperature gradient is transferred by the conductive nanofilaments between the two layers to the copper infused cell wall belonging to Coppertops at the cold side of the colonial chamber, and the spores located there. When the nanofilaments brush along the cell walls, they not only exchange free electrons, but lose the coat of insulating protein as they cool down and their proteins shift in structure again, the temperature gradient disappearing. . Due to Brownian Movement they will then go back to the hot side of the colony chamber to regain a temperature gradient, pick up more free electrons and insulating protein. Eventually, the Thermoplasts lose their protective protein coating, and become sessile adults, adhering to the walls of the colony chamber, and beginning production of their own endospores.


Dispersal

When the output of a vent begins to deplete, the Coppertop colony will send out a massive amount of spores, These spores are ejected by the vent into the ocean. Here, the spores go dormant for long periods of time, until they find a habitat hot enough. Due to temperature in the open waters surrounding the vents the spores have a tendency of forming small clumps. Once these clumps are settled, they are able to use their spore coats as an initial energy source in order to power themselves until the formation of their first chamber.

This post has been edited by HethrJarrod: Mar 29 2023, 06:34 PM

Name: Congotingo
Scientific: Ureahematovenator turpgaudere
Ancestor: Bloody-Nose Cotingo
Habitat: Fermi Tundra, Fermi Steppe, Scifi Subpolar Beach, Arctic Subpolar Beach
Size: 30 cm Long
Support: Exoskeleton (Chitin, External Shell)
Diet: Scavenger, Opportunistic Carnivore (Vermees, Neuks, Snowsculptor Janit, Flugwurm, Polar Ukback, Lickworm, Scaled Diveskunik, Shieldworm, Pewpa, Gushlych, Egg Krugg, Uksor, Krugg, Spiny Wrigum, Climbing Korrybug, Leafcutter Krugg, Pudgy Ketter, Ringtailed Ketter, Alshamite, Nectarworm, Scaletail, Ephemeral Sapworm, Slicewing, Farmphibian, Eggs & Larvae)
Respiration: Semi-Passive (Oxygen, Surface Capillaries and Simple Heart)
Thermoregulation: Mesothermic
Reproduction: Sexual, Hermaphrodite, Eggs in Egg Sac

The Congotingo replaced its ancestor, the Bloody-Nosed Cotingo, on Fermi. Due to many generations of increasingly harsh selective pressure, it has become smaller, more cooperative, and expanded its range outside the beaches to ensure better access to and use of resources. The pigments of its archetypal ancestor, the fraboohorn, have returned. The dark body helps this geothermic creature obtain heat in the polar environment, and the brighter shell and horn pigments alert other fauna of its bad taste from the methanethiolic chemicals it secretes.

Groups of congotingos form trains of up to two dozen individuals. The posterior of each adult sports a "scent-spot" which secretes identifying pheromones. Adults in the trail use their longest pair of horn-nostrils to follow the scent of their leader, while the additional branches test the ground on either side for signs of food. If food is detected, an individual will slap the posterior of its leader, and wiggle its posterior to alert its follower before moving in to feed. The train will encircle to foodstuff, spraying it with the foul-smelling cocktail as it tightens its formation to feed. The train is pretty cowardly, and if the food puts up too much of a fight (i.e. the creature is stronger or it is carrion guarded by an obstinate predator) then the individuals move on. When temperatures drop too low, the train will dig a shallow dish in the sand and snow and huddle together in a torpor: heavy snow provides insulation for the train as well.

If two or more trains encounter each other, they form a "cocktail party" where the trains dissolve into a mob. Scent markers are exchanged, and some mating occurs, before the trains reform: up to half of each train may end up switching sides at the end of these meetings. Egg sacs are laid on the backs of other adults in the train. Young hold onto the bases of adult's horn-nostrils until they develop their own methanol secretions, going to the back of the line when they mature.



This post has been edited by Jlind11: Feb 8 2023, 06:47 PM

Name: Sootplume (Obsidianipalma piceafolia)
Creator: OviraptorFan
Ancestor: Obsidibend (Obsidianiradix pliable)
Habitat: Fermi Temperate Woodland, Fermi Bush, Fermi Temperate Volcanic
Size: 8 meters tall
Support: Cell Wall (Cellulose)
Diet: Photosynthesis
Respiration: Passive (Stomata)
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Reproduction: Sexual, Airborne Cylindrical Spores

With a relative lack of competition within the inland areas of Fermi, it presented an opportunity for some Obsidibends that started growing there. Developing adaptations to better live in these areas, these vargants would split off and become a new species known as the Sootplume. The Sootplume does share some traits with its ancestor, such as the flexible trunk and a joint at the base of their leaves that can bend in strong winds without snapping. The species also still has a gigantic root system, with the main root initially drilling into the soil before growing out thick tendrils to gather as much nutrients as they can while also acting like an anchor. Both adaptations suit this melanophyte well, as they are by far the largest flora in a relatively vacant ecosystem and thus will face the brunt of strong winds.

The largest change seen in the Sootplume revolves around the compound leaves, which reduces overall surface area of each individual part so they are less likely to be blown off or to freeze during the cooler winters, all while not sacrificing too much of their overall photosynthetic efficiency. The greater size of the Sootplume means it towers over other trees such as the Lesser Steppespire that are present in parts of its range, giving the obsidian flora a competitive edge in gathering sunlight. It also gives the Sootplume extra height for it to then release gametes from its three spore chambers, which can then be carried for great distances by the wind as an orange haze. When the gametes meet those of another individual, they will germinate into a spore and eventually fall onto the ground to grow into a new Sootplume.

One disadvantage seen in this species compared to species like the Lesser Steppespire is that they grow much more slowly. A new Sootplume takes about fifteen to twenty years to reach sexual maturity, after which they then reproduce annually. While they take much longer to grow than other trees in the area, Sootplumes also live much longer, with individuals often living for over eighty years although a few can live for a century. As such, Sootplumes might be a rarer presence compared to other trees that live in the same biomes as them, but they are ever-present and provide longer term microhabitats for things like sapworms and xenobees. The one exception is the Fermi Temperate Woodland, where the lack of competition and pretty regular showers of rain have allowed the Sootplumes to flourish, forming great black forests not too dissimilar to those formed by their distant cousins on Wallace.

Alright guys! Here is my sixth species of flora for the inland areas of Fermi! Had it live in a different part of the continent compared to most of the other species i've done, so it helps flesh out some other parts. Also, I plan to be doing a seventh species of flora and a species of herbivore to live in these areas! As usual, comments and critiques are highly appreciated!

This post has been edited by OviraptorFan: Sep 17 2022, 11:18 AM

Plated Tamow (Ornatotherium laminam)

Creator: Hydromancerx
Ancestor: Adorned Tamow
Habitat: Vonnegut Temperate Woodland Archipelago
Size: 150 cm Long
Support: Endoskeleton (Bone)
Diet: Omnivore (Floating Island Greatgrass, Supershrooms, Sunstalks, Mainland Fuzzpalm berries, Fuzzpile berries, Minikruggs, Vermees)
Respiration: Active (Lungs)
Thermoregulation: Endotherm (Fur)
Reproduction: Sexual (Male and Female, Pouch and Milk)

The Plated Tamow split from its ancestor the Adorned Tamow. It now lives Temperate Woodlands of Vonnegut. No longer on a floating island it became a burrower that will dig into the black soil. Its front nails have become strong digging claws. Its coloration is black to blend into the soil. Its spikes have becomes knobbly plates that resemble pebbles. This servers as camouflage and protection from predators such as the Sparkleshrog.

While it still eats mostly flora it supplements its diet with small bug-like fauna such as Minikruggs and Vermees. It still has symbiotic microbes such as Guttoplaques to digest the grass it consumes daily.

Its tail is no longer flat but a club shape. It can swing it in defense. It actually hits a lot harder than predators think and once they get whacked they usually leave them alone. If they don't they have their keratinous armor to protect them or they can just hide in their large burrows. Their large ears both help them listen for predators (or small prey) as well as help dissipate heat from their black armor and thick-looking fur. In the winter however these adaptions keep them comfortable and warm even in the snow.

Like their ancestor they are more solitary, however their offspring live with their mothers. They give birth to helpless fetal young. Males do not participate in parental care at all. Joeys will live in their mother’s pouch and drink milk until they start to grow in their armor, at which point they leave the pouch already able to run from predators. They are fast as juveniles, but slow down considerably as they age and their armor finishes growing in. Juveniles will continue to suckle from their mother for up to a year after leaving the pouch before they are weaned and begin eating grass instead.

This post has been edited by Hydromancerx: Jan 11 2023, 10:32 AM