Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Speculative biology is simultaneously a science and form of art in which one speculates on the possibilities of life and evolution. What could the world look like if dinosaurs had never gone extinct? What could alien lifeforms look like? What kinds of plants and animals might exist in the far future? These questions and more are tackled by speculative biologists, and the Speculative Evolution welcomes all relevant ideas, inquiries, and world-building projects alike. With a member base comprising users from across the world, our community is the largest and longest-running place of gathering for speculative biologists on the web.

While unregistered users are able to browse the forum on a basic level, registering an account provides additional forum access not visible to guests as well as the ability to join in discussions and contribute yourself! Registration is free and instantaneous.

Join our community today!

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Amphibination; Part 3 now up
Topic Started: Aug 26 2009, 02:16 PM (6,316 Views)
StinglessBee
Member Avatar
Adolescent
 *  *  *  *  *
This is an alternate world where amniotes never evolved. Meanwhile, the Permian extinction was more gradual, allowing the reptiliamorphs (amniote-like amphibians such as Seymouria and Diadectes) to survive. All other extinctions happened as normal. The way I see this world, there are three main orders: lissamphibians (which are more diverse than real world amphibians, but do not produce megafauna), mammaloraniformes (descendants of Seymouria group reptiliamorphs), and throat breeders (descendants of Diadectes group reptiliamorphs, which produce most of the megafauna).

The throat breeders are generally social creatures which nurse their young in modified vocal cords in a similar way to a Darwin’s frog.

The mammaloraniformes, meanwhile, will have an internal ear drum together with ear bones seperate from the skull, and will be fully warm blooded.

The lissamphibians won't be producing anything larger than a badger for two reasons: firstly, many of them breathe through their skin as well as through their lungs, resulting in them needing a large body surface to volume ratio and secondly because they lack the reinforced spine that amniotes and some reptiliamorphs have (come to think of it, badger size may be pushing the limit...)

Anyway, may I have critique, advice, or suggestions please. If anyone can think of a better name than those I've come up with, then please tell me. Also, for those who wish for pictures, they will come... eventually (don't expect master pieces: I am, at best, a dreadful artist).

Anyway, here is are a few orders and families to begin with:

Class: Throat breeder (sorry: I'm not good with latin or greek names)
Order: Scale rats

These are the creatures from which all other throat breeders evolve (as these were some of the survivors of the K-10 Cretacious extinction). Whilst they are origionally descended from the herbivorous Diadectamorphs, these are omnivorous creatures that grow up to the size of a fox. Whilst they are scaly (reptiliamorphs were) these scales are more comparable to those of a carp than to reptile scales. They communicate by a mixture of scent, body language and (in some species) colour changes, as the vocal cords are used to carry their young. These creatures fill rodent niches, and a few derived scale rats fill primitive primate niches.

Class: Mammaloraniformes
Order: Seal mimics (not an actual name, just a stand in until someone thinks of something better)

These are very basal members of the class, in which many members of the order haven't evolved vivipary. These are mostly marine, but several species swim upriver to lay their frog-like eggs. They and their larvae have pits in their head for sensing the electricity given of by muscles. Most species prey on fish and fill seal and sea lion niches. However, a family of whale like creatures exist (these have evolved vivipary). These fill the niche of humpback whales (eating small fish en mass) or grey whales (eating invertebrates from the sea bed en mass).

Class: Lissamphibian
Order: Anura
Family: Leaping tadpoles/rabbit frogs

These are frog-like creatures that maintain the coiled gut used in their tadpole stage to digest plant matter. These grow up to the size of a rabbit, and can be distinguished from other members of the frog/toad order by the more spherical body, which contains the larger digestive system. These (and several other families of frog) have abandoned the usual jumping ability in favour of a odd form of gallop, similar to that used by some crocodilians in real life. They have achieved most of their diversity in colder regions, as they can hibernate easily. Some even have a natural anti-freeze in their blood and muscles (some frogs do this in real life, so why not?)

Anyway, there is plenty more things to come. So... what do you think?
Edited by StinglessBee, Aug 26 2009, 04:33 PM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Replies:
StinglessBee
Member Avatar
Adolescent
 *  *  *  *  *
Hi all! Here is part one of the first amphibination story (no pics yet, but if anyone wants to draw some, then they are welcome)
Quote:
 
A flight through amphibination, part 1

A shallow sea. Cold water currents from the waters to the north flow down to this sea, making it teeming with life. But it is not only fish that are profiting. This is shown in acute detail as one of said fish is snatched from the water, for no fate other than to be eaten. The predator is the magnificent griffonfly, a dragonfly that grows to the size of a home earth albatross. Soaring across the small sea, the griffonfly swiftly eats it’s catch: as it moves to it’s resting place, it becomes apparent that there is a welcome party. Above the coast, the noise is deafening, with the air filled with buzzes and croaks, hisses and an insectoid hum. The coast is formed of rocks and pebbles, with several high rocks providing vantage points for some of the inhabitants of the beach. Whilst this world is ruled by amphibians, they certainly don’t dominate the sky. Not by a long shot. Instead, the sky is ruled by arthropods. As well as griffonflies, there are other insects dedicated to growing big. The most noticeable are the beetles. The species on the beach are similar to gulls from home earth, and grow up to the size of one. These join ranks of smaller griffonflies in making the cacophony.

Meanwhile, it soon becomes apparent that invertebrates are not the only creatures to profit from the amount of fish. On the beach, a large group of creatures that appear vaguely like they once could have been bipedal frogs, with their front limbs reduced to a single claw attached to a flipper that appears by all means useless. Their faces as well, could have once been froglike, but the large salt glands on their snout give them a far more alien feel. These are litus, amphibination’s answer to penguins. These creatures normally swim gracefully by use of their powerful rear limbs, catching fish with their spear-like tongue. However, now they are relaxing on the beach, communicating to each other with bizarre croaks and shrieks. Crawling around them are some very unusual creatures. Unlike the other land dwelling creatures you have seen, these are neither invertebrate nor true amphibian. They are, in fact, descended from lepospondyls, and belong to a wider group known as Gephyrostegids. With some exceptions, this group fills the niches lizards do on home earth. Whilst these small creatures are busy catching small insects, one of these exceptions spreads it’s shadow over the beach. And a rather unimpressive shadow it is.

The shadow belongs to a wind surfer. This creature belongs to an order of gephyrostegids which are characterized by having long, extendable ribs, allowing them to glide and even soar, but only a handful of species can truly fly. The wind surfer is not one of these species. It is a carnivore, whose usual habits involve scavenging and mobbing landing griffonflies into giving up their meal. However, wind surfers are nothing if not opportunistic. This individual is showing this perfectly, for he is stalking potential prey. Whilst the magnificent griffonfly is far too big a meal for him, the pigeon sized forest griffon is an easier target. Normally these creatures feed on fruits and seeds in the nearby forest, but it seems this one has become lost, and is resting on a rock. The wind surfer, meanwhile, is soaring kite-like some 8 metres above it. That situation never lasts long. The wind surfer suddenly dives, almost crashing into the back of the surprised forest griffon before attempting to bite at the oversized dragonfly. The forest griffon, used to defending itself against forest predators, shifts it’s balance, biting back at it’s attacker. Neither of them land a decisive bite. And now neither are in a situation they wanted to be in. The wind surfer wanted to deliver a bite to the vitals before feasting at it’s leisure. Now, it has an angry griffonfly, perfectly capable of delivering a deadly bite itself. But it has wasted too much energy to give up now. The wind surfer launches itself at the forest griffon again, making sure that it can’t take off. The forest griffon counter attacks, attempting to bite at the wind surfer’s wing membrane. It doesn’t land a blow. The wind surfer has broken the carapace about the neck, and has effectively killed the forest griffon. It now begins to eat, as other wind surfers swoop down to profit from the labour of their fellow.

The magnificent griffonfly pays little heed. To it, the wind surfers are an annoyance, incapable of keeping up with it in the air, but capable of making it drop it’s food when landing. But the griffonfly has more important things to worry about. For it is now mating season.

Oh, and I think it will probably have more parts to it than previously thought (sorry Venato). If anyone wants to see something, now is a good time to say.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Venatosaurus
Member Avatar
HAUS OF SPEC
 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Cool, though if the 'flighted' gephyrostegids have rib-wings, then they won't achieve flight at all :( But awesome description ! I felt like I was there ^_^ Hopefully Kay and I will get started on those pics as well :D



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
StinglessBee
Member Avatar
Adolescent
 *  *  *  *  *
As far as writing up the new amphibination goes, its early days, and I can always edit the wind surfer somewhat. Anyway, I'm glad you like it.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Venatosaurus
Member Avatar
HAUS OF SPEC
 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Good, I really like the names you chose out 'Magnificent Griffinfly' 'Windsurfer' and 'Forest Griffinfly' , though the 'Forest Griffinfly could use a name change to like 'Pigeonfly' as it occupies a niche similar to some pigeons, and it's the size of one ;)



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
StinglessBee
Member Avatar
Adolescent
 *  *  *  *  *
I'm glad you liked the names, though I called the wind surfer's prey a forest griffon, because it felt a bit easier to say than forest griffonfly. Pigeonfly... sounds good to me. Has a better ring to it than forest griffon.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
The Dodo
Member Avatar
Prime Specimen
 *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Good work :D , I like the griffinflies, it also got me thinking about maybe flightless griffinflies on a small island, I don't know how likely this is.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Venatosaurus
Member Avatar
HAUS OF SPEC
 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Gasp, I too had ideas concerning flightless griffinflies ! Some could be terrestrial monsters, others aquatic, crocodile-like terrors, with burrowing forms even arising !



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Carlos
Member Avatar
Adveho in me Lucifero
 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
I really wish there was a griffonfly pic somewhere
Lemuria:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/topic/5724950/

Terra Alternativa:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/forum/460637/

My Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/Carliro

Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Venatosaurus
Member Avatar
HAUS OF SPEC
 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Well, I've been trying to draw one, but I continually fail. I asked Nemo to provide one, but I doubt that'd ever happen :(



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Carlos
Member Avatar
Adveho in me Lucifero
 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Nonsense, I bet one of your drawings will be perfect
Lemuria:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/topic/5724950/

Terra Alternativa:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/forum/460637/

My Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/Carliro

Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Venatosaurus
Member Avatar
HAUS OF SPEC
 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Aw how kind ^_^ But I too have trouble designing it, though I did doodle some pictures that really grabbed my attention ;)



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Carlos
Member Avatar
Adveho in me Lucifero
 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
My closest concept is that of a dragonfly with a shorter abdomen (you know, that "tail"), back wings similar to those of a butterfly (only that not conencted to the main wings) and front wings with a support structure that is articulated and thus can bend.

I wonder how these animals overcame the problems of moulting the exoskeleton
Lemuria:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/topic/5724950/

Terra Alternativa:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/forum/460637/

My Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/Carliro

Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Venatosaurus
Member Avatar
HAUS OF SPEC
 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Actually the design I hat created was similar to your idea, though I did give them smaller eyes and thick-looking exoskeletons that are similar to coconut crabs, but hollow. As for molting, the hollow structure and an aquatic molting habit would definately help.



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
StinglessBee
Member Avatar
Adolescent
 *  *  *  *  *
Here is the stunning second part of a flight through amphibination.

Quote:
 
A flight through Amphibination, part 2

The griffonfly, having eaten his fill of fish, takes of. He flies down the coast, heading south, towards his equatorial breeding grounds. Sticking to the coast, he passes by a group of strange creatures. One would be forgiven for believing that these were herbivorous gephyrostegids with their leathery skin, but these are in fact descendants of reptiliamorphs, whose most distinguishable feature is their size, as large of the duck-bill dinosaurs of prehistoric Earth, and their thick, fat-storing tail. Surprisingly enough, these are known as fat-tails, and are major herbivores on much of the land across amphibination. The small herd that slowly marches through the open forest feed mostly on the bush sized horsetails and club mosses that grow between the conifers and tree ferns. Whilst horsetails and club mosses are no where near as dominant as they were in precious eras, this stretch of forest is moist and humid enough for their means due to a mountain range preventing rain from reaching the desert and savannah to the east, meaning that it is all dumped in the forest: providing ideal growing conditions for these plants. This fact is soon to disrupt the journey of our poor griffonfly: as it starts raining. At great risk of being grounded and having his wings damaged, the griffonfly lands in a tree, and manoeuvres himself to shelter himself from the rain more. He finds himself surrounded by other creatures, also trying to shelter from the rain. Barely larger than a human hand, these creatures are clearly meant to glide, with a membrane stretched between their limbs and a widened tail for use as a rudder. These are a species of lungless salamander, specifically the green day-glider. Belonging to a group of diurnal seed eaters, these small salamanders have had some success in populating the wet areas of the forest. Being temporarily grounded by the rain, the day-gliders find themselves as another guest in this leafy hotel with our hero: the migrating griffonfly

A short distance away from these unwilling guests, a drama is soon to unfold, for there is a predator in the herds midst. Hiding the sound of it’s footsteps using the rain, it creeps forward. These fat tails belong to the Tusker family, so it pays to be cautious. Suddenly, it bursts out. It’s target: a young, little fat tail foolish enough to stray. The crocodile sized beastie launches itself at the juvenile. Half a second too late. The juvenile sees it coming, and runs. The predator charges after it. And leaps. The fat tail now has perhaps the most dangerous predator on the planet on it’s back, and makes clear it’s distress by yelping and by thrashing it’s body. Staying on with it’s claws, the predator opens several gashes in the side of the youngling with it’s powerful bite. If allowed to continue, it’s bite would certainly put an end to the fat tails life. But the yelps of the juvenile have not been in vain, as evidenced by a thundering howl. Mommy has arrived. She is not a happy bunny. She hurtles forward. The predator spots her, and tries to get of her child. Again, too late. Her massive bulk rams into the predator at impressive speed for such a large bulk, bowling the unfortunate predator over. It gets back up. To no avail. As it is now that any witnesses realise why the family of these fat tails is known as tuskers. With her wide gape revealed, she bites down on the back and belly of the unfortunate predator. The predator, once mighty, is tossed from side to side, before being thrown like a rag doll. For a brief moment, it knows flight. Before it meets with a tree. With tremendous impact. An echoing crack shows that it’s back has broken, in no less than 5 places. As have it’s ribs. The mother charges over, putting the broken creature out of it’s misery. Upon inspection of the corpse, the creature is revealed to be a panther newt, a member of a group of newts that grew large and predatory. Having evolved an upright gait, powerful jaws, and camouflage across it’s body has come to nothing. It is a late predator, it is deceased, it has ceased to be, it has expired: the predator has gone to meet it’s maker. At a young age as well: this panther newt is crocodile sized, they grow somewhat larger.

The tides of fortune ebb more favourably for some, as the rain ends. At last the griffonfly can begin it’s flight. But now it has to do what it has been avoiding: cross open waters. It takes off, soaring across the forest with barely a flap of it’s wings. Near the coast, it joins with a widely spread mass of other griffonflies, all heading for the same breeding grounds. Part of the way into the journey, they spot a shoal of fish. Several of the griffonflies fly lower in order to collect a meal. Our hero starts this as well. But he spots something the others don’t: a dark shape, slightly below the shoal. He tries to brake. But for one griffonfly, it is too late.

There is a splash.

A crack as chitin fractures and breaks.

A colour in the water: insect blood has been spilt.


I congratulate anyone who knows which comedy show I ripped off just after the fight scene.
Edited by StinglessBee, Oct 3 2009, 04:06 PM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Venatosaurus
Member Avatar
HAUS OF SPEC
 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Awesome chapter, sorry I haven't been focusing on Amphibination, as I'm school and such I have real life to worry about, plus my mind has been straying to Squamozoic, Metaphyta, and even Faa's dino-related project. I know I have to draw as well...goodness so many things to carry at once XD



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Alternative Evolution · Next Topic »
Add Reply