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| Novacene; The live on earth in 35 Million Years | |
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| Topic Started: Jun 5 2016, 05:46 AM (2,532 Views) | |
| Ursumeles | Jun 5 2016, 05:46 AM Post #1 |
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Newborn
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We´re in the Novacene, 35 Million Years after the holocene- and after the (suspected) exinct of Homo sapiens. The world is much warmer than today, the average temperatur is 18° degrees celsius. The Sea Level is 30m higher than today, so are many regions(like parts of east china) covered by a shallow sea, the biggest part of the holocene ice shields are gone. At the end of the holocene many species gone exinct, under them many island species(among others kiwis and komodo dragons) and a big part of the megafauna(nearly all bears, giraffes, elephants, bisons, lions etc.). While mammals are still the dominate (terrestial megafauna) group, it give large Birds and Reptiles-especially latter are much more diverse than in the holocene. Beside Animals that look much like the holocene ones, the world is populated by odd animals(and plants), which live in every area of the world. We´re in a world with an biodiversity which the world didn´t see since dozens millions of years! Table of contents: Proboscosuiformes: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=1262108&t=6059585 Pannonian Basin: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=1263622&t=6059585 Danube: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=1265513&t=6059585 Ground quail: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=1275829&t=6059585 Arctic Dwarf Whale: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=1278916&t=6059585 Aartitans: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=1279384&t=6059585 Bearbadgers: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=1279637&t=6059585 Timeline: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=1281646&t=6059585 Afrotropic: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=1282467&t=6059585 Boiúna: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=3030503&t=6059585 Yakwawiak: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=3035543&t=6059585 Frutures: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/single/?p=3044516&t=6059585 Edited by Ursumeles, Feb 8 2017, 10:59 AM.
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Spoiler: click to toggle That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die. -H.P. Lovecraft | |
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| Nyarlathotep | Jun 5 2016, 09:47 AM Post #2 |
The Creeping Chaos
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Let's see what's next. |
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| Finncredibad | Jun 5 2016, 12:13 PM Post #3 |
Edgy and Cool
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Triggerd But in all seriousness, this looks pretty good so far. |
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Favorite quotes Spoiler: click to toggle Projects and stuff Spoiler: click to toggle
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| Holben | Jun 5 2016, 02:03 PM Post #4 |
Rumbo a la Victoria
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How did humans die in this world? I imagine that with the passing of a lot of the old megafauna different animal groups have produced megafaunal forms, are there any very large birds or reptiles? This kind of post is unnecessary and spammy. |
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Time flows like a river. Which is to say, downhill. We can tell this because everything is going downhill rapidly. It would seem prudent to be somewhere else when we reach the sea. "It is the old wound my king. It has never healed." | |
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| Ursumeles | Jun 11 2016, 11:55 AM Post #5 |
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Newborn
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Proboscosuiformes Proboscosuiformes Artiodactyla Suina Proboscosuiformes Proboscosuids are members of the Suborder Proboscosuiformes (Order: Suina), that includes three families, the tapir-like Tapirsuidae, and the Proboscidean-like Elephasuidae and Suotheriidae(the Subfamily´s Altosuinae and Infradontinae of the latter family are sometimes recognized as separate families, Altosuidae and Infradontidae). All species have a trunk, which is usually at least developed in the Tapirosuids, while the other two Families have more developed trunks. Many species have large tusk- like canines. While the Tapirosuids are usually mid- large sized animals (70-700kg, usually 180-300kg),save for Island dwarf forms, all Elephasuids and Suotherids are large to gigantic animals, the largest Species Behemoth vastus weights easily over 10 Tonnes, and is the one of the two largest second largest terrestrial animal of the world. Tapirosuidae The most basal family of the Suborder is distributed in the Eurasian tropics and subtropics. More information’s will follow… Elephasuidae  While once the most diverse Proboscosuids, Elephasuids are now the ones with the least Number of genus and species. They differ from the Suotherids mainly through their head and trunk morphology. Most species have comparably thin legs, but heavy hoofs (they’re hoofs adnate to one). While many species have long hair at the back and in the ears, the rest of their thick skin is only sparely covered by small hairs. Most species eat leaves and soft grasses. Once distributed in wide parts of the Old World and North America, they now live in Northern Africa, South Asia, the Balkan and North America. After the long gestation period (which is between 11 and 19 Months long), one or, at least by the large species rarer, two babies are born, which can walk after a half and two hours. Barosus -Barosus americanus Temperate Regions of North America; 1,9-5to -Barosus brevis Newfoundland; 1-1,5to Elephasus -Elephasus indicus Indian Subcontinent; 1,8-4,3to -Elephasus nanus Sri Lanka; 0,7-1,1to -Elephasus vespertinus Anatolia-Mesopotamia; 1,7-3,5to Incurvatodon -Incurvatodon mirificus Northern Africa; 3-6to Suotheriidae The Suotheriidae are more diverse, common and distributed than the Elephasuidae, and contain three Subfamily´s, the Suotheriinae, the Altosuinae and the Infradontinae. The Status of the last two Subfamily’s, is unclear, they are sometimes classified as separate Families. Other than the Elephasuidae, the Suotheriidae have four resp. three hooves; an large in the middle and two smaller at the sides at the hind legs, and two large in the middle, which carry their weight, and two smaller at the side. Infradontinae Infradontidae are the most basal group of the family, they split off from the other groups between 9-12myah (Million years after Holocene). Typical for this family is that only the canines in the lower jaw developed to tusks. While the aksuminian Genus have forward-facing tusks, the African ones have down directed tusks, with which they can dig out roots. Additionally they have an, even for Proboscosuid, large head. They have a bulky body and neck, as well as long, but massive legs. Their trunk is relatively short and broad. They are usually midsized Proboscosuids, but the species Mkubwa kubwa is the largest Proboscosuid of the Afrotropic region. Most species feed on soft vegetation, like leaves, roots, fruits and soft grasses. They are distributed in Sub-Saharan Africa and Aksuminia*. Erectodontosus -Erectodontosus gigas Northern Aksuminia; 1,7-3,9to -Erectodontosus vulgaris Northern Aksuminia; 0,8-1,5to Infradon -Infradon australis Sub-Saharan Africa; 1,7-3,2to -Infradon sylvus Central- and West African Rainforest; 1,5-3,5to Mkubwa -Mkubwa kubwa Sub-Saharan Africa; 7,5-11,3to Paraerectodontosus - Paraerectodontosus australis Southern Aksuminia, 1,2-2,5to *East-African Subcontinent Suotheriinae The Suotherids are probably the most common and the widest distributed Proboscosuids. They have rather short legs and massive bodies. Their trunk is sometimes rather short, but it also gives Genus with near ground-length trunks. Their tusks are also variable in length and form; some species only have ones in the lower jaw, other ones just in the upper jaw, others in both; some have just 50cm long tusks, other ones with an length of four meter. The diet varies from Genus and species, but nearly all species have a wide variety in diet, they eat (soft) grasses and roots, as well as fruits and leaves. They have a wide distribution, from Southern Africa up to Siberia, from Iberia to Florida. Species list (very incomplete): Collosaeodon -Collosaeodon moschatus East Europe, Central Asia; 3,9-7,5to -Collosaeodon rhomaleos Southern Europe, Northern Africa, Southwest Asia; 3,3-6,5to Suillustherium -Suillustherium amplum East Europe-Central Asia; 3-5,8to -Suillustherium arabicum Northern Africa, Southern Arabia, Mesopotamia; 2,5-4,5to -Suillustherium europaeum Europe, Asia Minor, Northern Persia; 2-5to Suotherium -Suotherium borealis Northern North America, Northeastern Siberia; 3-6to -Suotherium gigas North America; 2,2-7,1to Tembo -Tembo africanum Central- and Western Africa; 2-4to -Tembo tembo Southern Africa; 2,2-4to Altosuinae Altosuids are at average (and maximal sizes) the largest Proboscosuids. They have rather long legs. Many species have a relatively broad and high head, with the-especially in the upper jaw- often long tusks. Their trunk is long and well developed. They have a wide diet, while most species eat also leaves; they can digest and utilize also harder grass, better than other Proboscosuids. Like most other Proboscosuids, in most cases (female) Altosuids are gregarious animals; their herd is lead –like in Holocene elephants- by an old female. Out of all Proboscosuids, Altosuids usually have the longest Gestation period. They are distributed in wide parts of Eurasia, North Africa and North America. Species list (incomplete): Airavata -Airavata bara Indian Subcontinent; 5-9to Altosus -Altosus australis Mesopotamia, Persia, North-western India; 3,5-7to -Altosus gigas East Europe, Central Asia; 4-8to Behemoth -Behemoth vastus Central and Southwestern Asia, East and South East Europe; 8-12to+ Edited by Ursumeles, Jun 28 2016, 11:40 AM.
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Spoiler: click to toggle That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die. -H.P. Lovecraft | |
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| Ursumeles | Jun 11 2016, 12:17 PM Post #6 |
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Newborn
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Humans propably died, as an through war,hunger and the Eruption of the La Garita Caldera weakened humanity meat an deadly virus. The megafauna is mainly represented by pigs and antelopes, but also rodents (Giant Ursons, Marine Sirenocoypus, some south american species, Chalicomyids and Brontomyids), camels(mainly South america, but also North america), Cervids and a few others. Megafauna carnivores are nearly all members of the carnivora. Giant birds and reptiles are very common. The former include the typical fligthless ostrichs, emus; but also different flightless members of the Galliformes. Under them are different herbivorus forms, but also the Skanda- an up to 40kg heavy, carnivorus Peafowl. It also gave many large bird that are able to fly, like Barocygnus spp. or the Eagle Ziz, which can weight 40kg. Large reptiles are even more common: On terrestial side it gives large snakes, tortoises, palaeosuchids, varanids etc., and on aquatic and amphibian side it gives crocodiles(The largest species Phoneognatus deinos can be 14m long), turtles(the trionychid Giant Broadshellturtles(Pantrionyx) can grow over 2m long) and others. It also gave large amphibs(especially in NA) and many large freshwater fish. Edited by Ursumeles, Jun 18 2016, 09:39 AM.
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Spoiler: click to toggle That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die. -H.P. Lovecraft | |
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| Ursumeles | Jun 18 2016, 09:43 AM Post #7 |
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Newborn
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Pannonian Basin Geography and Flora The Pannonian Basin is the biggest Steppe Region of Central Europe; it lies between the Alps and the Dinarides in the west, the Carpathians in the east and the Balkan Mountain range in the south. It covers an area of 120 000km2. The Danube flows through the Pannonian Basin. The Pannonian Basin has two large Lakes: the Lake Balaton in the South East, which dwarves a bit since the Holocene, as sediments filled parts of it and roughly 25 MYaH the Zala River, the largest inflow of the Lake Balaton, vanished. The other is the Nagy Tenger, or New Pannonian Lake, in the East, it is with a covered area of 3,143 km2 the largest lake of Central Europe-and of Europe west of the Blackcaspian Sea in general. Both Lakes, as well as the Danube, has a large Influence on the climate, in near areas it is usually more humid. The South of the Pannonian Basin lies in the subtropical realm, while the north is of temperate climate. The Rainfall in this area is relatively low, usually less than 650mm. Large Parts are covered by a steppe. The flora is mainly represented by grass, but also flowers and scrubs. Trees are in the most areas rare. Fauna The Fauna of the Pannonian Basin is rich, besides typical Central, South and East European Species, it also give Animals which are typical for North Africa and South Asia. Large Mammals are, among other, represented by Artiodactyls. Under the biggest of them are Proboscosuids, which size range varies between 300kg (Paratapirosus europaeus) and eight tonnes (Altosus gigas). Other pig families are also represented: Suidae and Hippopotamochoeridae as well as the westernmost representative of the Hornpigs (Ceratosuidae), a typical Indian Family: Duoceratosus occidentalis. Here also lives one of only two members of the Titanodorcidae-giant, Paracerathere-like Gazelles-, the Theóratos (Titanodorcas/Theóratos europaeus), which can weight seven tonnes. Other Antelopes are smaller, Gazelles are usually smaller than 50kg, while boselaphine Antelopes can weight one ton. Cervids are in open landscapes only represented by the large Genus Euryceros. Carnivores are represented by many families, of which the mustelids have the highest diversity. The most common of these are the Weasels, but martens, Ursumelids (large bear like badgers) and Honey badgers (including one member of the large Agriomellivorids) are also typical. Badgers live in more forested areas, while Otterminks live in body of water. Canids are represented by real canids, as well as by foxes. While former are usually small to midsized species, latter can grow to large sizes. Bone crackers are represented by foxes, as well as by hyenas. Civets are common, and represented by small to midsized forms of mainly Asian origin. Under the Mongooses it gave typical species, as well as an ant-eater. Cats are represented by small to midsized species, as well as by large Maicharofelids. The most common mammals are easily the rodents: from small squirrels, mouse’s, hamsters and mole rats, as well as by midsized porcupines and running gerbils(which are the most common herbivores of their size) and large Chalicomyids and Brontomyids. Hares and rabbits are small; primates represented by the genera Europapio and Borealomacaca. Here also live hyraxes and one species of jumping shrews. Shrews and moles are similar to their Holocene relatives, while it gives under the hedgehogs large and ant-eating species. Birds of the passerine order are represented by many species: from small finches and sparrows to eagle sized Carnocorvids. Galliformes are common, especially quails are divers. Sandgrouse are common as well, doves are represented by many species, one of which has a wingspan over 2,5m. The Bustardrail family is represented by a few common species. Birds of prey are, despite the completion with the Carnocorvids, common and mainly represented by small to medium sized buzzards and hawks, but also larger buzzard and the gigantic eagle Ziz. It gives a species of mainly terrestrial harrier, and some falcons and vultures. Reptiles are divers and common: tortoises are represented by mainly small species, but also the large (up to 50kg) Northern Spine-necked Tortoise (Barochelys septentrionalis). Lizards are even far more divers, most species are either Wall lizards (some of which can grow nearly a half meter long) or skinks, but it also give some geckos, agamas and even monitor lizards. Slow worms are common and in the South of the Pannonian Basin the largest of all is represented: the Emperor Sheltopusik (Archoanguis peloros). Snakes are represented by respectively one sand boa and blind snakes, a few Lamprophiids and many vipers and colubrids. While most snakes are small to midsized, it also gives a few larger species, like the Midgard Serpents. Crocodiles live in more humid habitats in the south. Terrestrial Amphibians are mainly represented by frogs (midwife toads, true toads, true frogs and European spadefoot toads), Salamanders are only common in humid habitats. Emperor Sheltopusik (Archoanguis peloros) Squamata Anguimorpha Anguidae Anguinae Verbreitung: South-East Europe, Anatolia, Southwestern Central Asia Habitat: grassland, scrubland and sparsely wooded hills The Emperor Sheltopusik-also known as Crocodilesheltopusik - is the largest member of its family and the largest lizard of Europe. It can grow between 200 and 320cm long; half of the length is made the tail. It is a robust, high and broad lizard; they can weight over 60kg. They have very large, by osteoderms covered, scales. The head is large (up to 25cm) and powerful, the teeth’s are broad and big. They can stretch they mouth, similar to snakes, so that they can eat large animals. It has a tan, sometimes slightly yellow, coloration; young animals have black stripes. Usually it doesn’t drop its tail, but it can happen. They usually live in dry areas; they are common in large part of the south eastern Euroarctic region. They eat a large variety of animals: large snails and arthropods, as well as smaller mammals (under them some of the size of an Running Gerbil), birds, reptiles (even tortoises) and amphibians, which they quash with their powerful bite. While cannibalism isn´t common, it sometimes happens. Twelve weeks after the mating season in the late February or March (in the North of the range it is in April) the female lays about six to fourteen eggs, which it often lay under a stone and guard them. The young hatch after 40-55 days; they are already 15-20cm long. In the northern regions of their range they take dormancy, from October/November to February/March. Predators usually avoid these fortified animals, but if they’re threatened, they bite and whip with their tail. There scale also protects them. Emperor Sheltopusik can live 70 years or even longer. Other species of this genus live in large parts of southern Europe; it is discussed if the Genus Anguisaurus should be a part of the Genus Archoanguis. If so then the range of Archoanguis would be from Iberia to Mongolia. Pannonian Running Gerbil (Dromaeopes pannoniensis) Rodentia Muroidea Gerbillidae Dromaeopedinae Distribution: Pannonian Basin Habitat: Grass- and Scrubland Running gerbils are a group of small to midsized (2-15kg) herbivores (resp. omnivores with a strong affinity for plants) which are distributed in Eurasia and Northern Africa, from Iberia to Mongolia and India. They are fast dwellers of open and half-open terrains. They differ from the True Gerbils mainly through their longer legs, their slender build and their shorter tail. The Pannonian Running Gerbil (Dromaeopes pannoniensis) is a typical Member of its family. It has a snout-vein length of 80-100cm, and a tail which is about 55cm long, a shoulder height of 35-45cm and a weight of 7-11kg, males are usually larger. They have large eyes and ears, but short whiskers. They live mainly in dry areas, with a stand of scrubs or other hideouts. This species is a gregarious animal; it lives in flocks of 4-30 animals. The bonds of non-related animals are usually loose, while family members have a strong bond among one another. They are mainly diurnal (but they are sometimes also in the night active) and prefer the dawn. They usually sleep and rest under scrubs or in other hideouts, like desolate dens of other animals. They are the most common herbivores of their size in the Pannonian Basin. They eat mainly roots and seeds, but also grasses and other plants. Their diet is complete by a small amount of insects and other invertebrates and, much rarer, carrion and small vertebrates. They have many enemies, from Cats, Dogs, Civets, Mustelids and other carnivores via large birds of prey right up to large Reptiles (like the Emperor Sheltopusik). They are flight animals, which run with speeds at 65km/h away from their pursuer. The mating season of this gerbil is from February to June, after a gestation period of eighty to ninety days one to six, usually two, young’s. Other than young’s of the True Gerbils they open they eyes shortly after their birth, and they can walk with an age of one day. They breastfeed the young’s one and a half to two months long, they are adult at a age of nine months. They can live ten years. Golden Clawmouse (Brachiomys grandis) Rodentia Muroidea Chalicomyidae Chalicomyinae Distribution: Pannonian Basin, Balkan, Asia Minor Habitat: Light Forest and steppes The Golden Clawmouse is a Member of the Clawmouse family (Chalicomyidae). Clawmouses are big herbivores, which have usually arms that are longer than their legs and an long neck, on their paws are large claws. The Golden Clawmouse is a large animal, they can reach lengths of 3m, a shoulder height of 2,5m (head height: up to 3m) and a weight of 1,500kg, males are larger. They have the typical traits of their family, but their arms are even longer than those of species of other Genus, like Chalicomys. Their Paws end in three large (up to 20cm long) claws. The Head of this Clawmouse is relatively short and the Incisors small, but the molar teeth are broad and the lips big and strong. The fur of the Golden Clawmouse is, like the name suggests, sometimes brown, but some individuals also have reddish or brownish colouring; many individuals have small dark brown stripes at their back. Males are solitary, while females usually live in loosely flocks. Like all Clawmouses this species is a browser, but it eats harder plants than many others: besides soft leaves, also hard leaves and soft grasses, as well as roots. While they favour to drink, they can strain water out of their nurture. In drier areas this species migrates in the drought. Many smaller animals, like gazelles, stay in the near of them, as this tall animal often sees predators first. Even large predators-like Vulpecyonids and Bearbadgers- avoid direct confrontation with this giant, as it can hurt or even kill them with blows of their claws. The mating season of this species lies in summer and early autumn. Males wrestle with another, to impress the females. After a gestation period of ten to eleven months the mother give birth to one or two, rarer three young’s, which are well developed. The mother lactate them for up to ten months, although they begin to eat plants at the age of five months. The first two to two and a half years of their live they stay on side of their mother, about at this age the females reach sexual maturity, males whereas males are adult at age of three years. Shortly after her young’s leaved the mother give birth to new young’s. Pannonian Doublehornpig (Duoceratosus occidentalis) Artiodactyla Suina Graviosuidae Ceratosuidae Duoceratosuinae Distribution: Pannonian Basin, Balkan Habitat: Grass-, Scrub- and open Woodlands The Pannonian Doublehornpig is the westernmost member of its family, the Hornpigs, which have their origin and highest diversity in India. It is an large Animal: it has an Snout-Vein length of 2,2-3 m, an Shoulder height of 1,1-1,4m and an weight of 400-650kg, males are larger. Like all members of its Genus it has two small horns side on side on the top of the nose, similar to those of the extinct rhino Menoceras. The horns have nucleus of bone, with a layer keratin covering them. Like all Hornpigs they have a large, heavy skull, with a thick cranial bone. They have powerful legs, which end in only one big hove. They have a thick skin, which is sparely covered by hairs. The Pannonian Doublehornpig eats mainly the leaves of scrubs and small trees, but also grass. While adult males are usually solitary, females and their young’s live in small(less than six animals) family groups. While the small horns aren’t good defensive weapons, the large size of the animal is. Still they are sometimes preyed up by large carnivores: Bearbadgers, large Vulpecyonids and large Machairofelids. In winter, the mating season, the males fight ritualised fights against each other, to impress the females. After a gestation period of five to six months 1-4 young’s are born in a nest. The female is breastfeeding them the first four months. The females are adult with 20 Months, while the males reach the adulthood with 34 months. They have a life span of 30 years. Striped Sabretooth cat (Machairofelis striatus) Carnivora Feliformia Felidae Machairofelinae Distribution: Central and South East Europe, Anatolia, Caucasus Habitat: Forests, Scrublands and Grasslands with a tree or scrub population The Striped Sabretooth cat is a member of the Machairofelids. It is an large cat: its snout-to-vein length is 1,4-1,85m,its tail length 50-85cm, its shoulder height 55-90cm and its weight ranges from 90-135kg; it is the second largest Machairofelid of Central Europe. They have long, strong legs and a powerful, muscular body. They have long, up to 11cm, teeth, they are relative broad for a Machairofelid and can be seen when the cat close its mouth. They are brown or brown-red with black stripes; the belly and throat are white. Striped Sabretooth Cats are usually solitary animals, only in the mating Season adult animals spend time with each other. The mating Season is in the December or January, after a gestation period of 95-110 days they give bird to one up to four young’s, usually two. Hidden in a lair, the young’s are firstly blind, they open their eyes with two weeks. They are weaned with three months, with seven months they first accompany their mother. They search an own territory with one or two years. At the Age of two years females reach sexual maturity, males with three and a half to four years. These cats are ambush predators; they wait hiding in a scrub or in a tree. If prey, usually mid to large (250kg) Artiodactyls, is in their range, they sprint with enormous speeds to them, wrestle them to the ground and killing them with a bite in the throat. The Striped Sabretooth cat lives sympatric with other large carnivores, like the large fox Vulpecyon, Bearbadgers and other big cats. They hunt smaller prey than the giant Sabretooth panther (Validofelis atrox); lives in less densely covered habitats than the King panther (Regiopanthera regia) and in more wooded region than the Sultan panther (Regiopanthera australis). Greater Long-legged Harrier (Sagittariomimus gigas) Accipitriformes Accipitridae Circinae Distribution: Pannonian Basin, Eastern Europe, Central Asia; summers in Anatolia, Northwest India and North Persia Habitat: Steppes Long-legged Harriers (Sagittariomimus) are a Genus of mid to large sized birds of prey, which spend most time on the ground, searching for prey. The largest and widest distributed species of the Genus is the Greater Long-legged Harrier (Sagittariomimus gigas). In shape and size it is much like the Holocene secretary bird, the Genus name come from this resemblance: “Sagittarius” is the Genus name of the secretary bird while “mimus” means “imitator”. It is a large Bird of prey: they’re 85-125cm tall, 90-145cm long, have an Wingspan of 190-225cm and an weight of 2,5-5kg. It has a long neck and very long legs. They have a large, hooked bill. They are mainly black and white birds, but males have a blue bonnet on their head a blue tail feathers. Despite living the most time on the ground, they are good fliers. They are searching their prey on the ground; it includes mainly rodents, other small mammals and lizards, but also small ground birds, eggs and (even venomous) snakes. They also consume carrion. They usually stomping their prey with their large claws, but sometimes they hold it with their feet’s, to kill it with a deadly bite. The monogamous birds build an large (up to 3m wide) nest, which they usually use many years, in trees. The female lies two to four eggs, which are incubate 45 to 50 days. Usually the first and second young’s survive, while the fourth dies nearly every time. The young is feed 45 days, before it can eat autonomously, although it is feed even after that. They can fly at an age of 65 days. Birds in the North of the range are Migratory birds, they migrate to warmer regions in the winter. In most of them they live sympatric with other species of their genus and birds which share similar ecological niches: marabous and the Skanda, a very large, carnivorous peafowl. Edited by Ursumeles, Aug 13 2016, 11:01 AM.
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Spoiler: click to toggle That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die. -H.P. Lovecraft | |
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| Ursumeles | Jun 25 2016, 03:24 PM Post #8 |
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Newborn
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Spoiler: click to toggle Danube The Danube is with an length of roughly 3,000km-after the Holocene it changed its pathway and becomes larger-the second longest River in Europe. From the source in the Black Forest they flow northern of the Alps, through the Pannonian Basin, until the river flows in the West of the Blackcaspian Sea. The Danube Delta covers roughly 5,450km2. Out of the Mountain ranges which border the Pannonian Basin, many smaller Rivers flow into the Danube. Near the Danube, over a long time linked with the river, lays the Nagy Tenger, with a covered area of 3,143 km2 the largest Lake of Central Europe, and the largest European Freshwater Lake western of the Blackcaspian Sea. While most parts of the River are usually relatively shallow to mid depth (1-8m), parts of the river are deeper than twenty meter. The Danube is also a broad river, sometimes is it more than 80m wide. The Water temperatures of the Danube are relatively warm; it supports heat-loving species. Fauna Typical semiaquatic Mammals of the Danube are the herbivorous River Hogs and Beaverats, as well as the carnivorous Otterminks, Water Rats and one Water Shrew. In the River also a Species of Sirenocoypus live, the most primitive of all: Sirenodon primus. Near the delta also the larger Caspian Sirenocoypu lives. As well aquatic is the Danube River Porpoise, a small species of porpoise. Waterfowl is rich and common: from the small Kingfishers up to large Fish hawks, and the gigantic Emperor Swan, Barocygnus iracundus. Ducks (and goose) are the most diverse group; it gives small water plant eating and filtering (Broadbillducks) species, as well as large, grass eating ones. Rails, Storks, herons, spoonbills, terns, gulls and others are also common. Water reptiles are, through the warm climate, common; it gives three families of water turtles, the Geoemydidae, the Emydidae and the Trionychidae. Some species reach shell lengths of over a half meter, but most species usually grow smaller. Water Snakes are as common, but all water snakes are members of the Colubridae. As with turtles, it gave also upon water snakes many smaller and some large sized species, like the massive Southern Midgard Snake. Semiaquatic Lizards are represented by one single species, the Balkan Water Skink. In the Danube lives also one crocodile species, the Greek Crown Crocodile. Amphibians are very divers, it give small newts as well as large, ribbed newt like forms. Frogs are represented by many families, but Ranidae are the most common. Two of these, the European Bullfrog and the Titan Toad, are the largest Frog species of Europe. The diving frogs (Natantoraninae) are a group of (nearly) completely aquatic frogs. It gives some endemic fish species in the Danube, but most live also in other parts of Europe. Some species are of salt or brackish water origin, while some of them live their whole life in freshwater, other come back in the Blackcaspian Sea to spawning. One species of saltwater origin is the European Freshwater stingray. It gives some species of sturgeons, from the small Dwarf Sturgeon to the gigantic (7m+) Parahuso ingens. Trout’s usually live in higher regions, in lower regions only the small European River Trout live. But here live a far larger salmonid, the Golden Taimen, which can grow more than one meter long. Even bigger is the Crocodile Pike, a species of large Pike which also preys on shore animals. Mullets are common near the delta, but a few species penetrate wider upstream. Freshwater Gobies however are usually small. In the near-delta region also flatfish live. The largest native percid is the Danube Sander, which can grow as big as the Golden Taimen. Other Percids are (much) smaller. Sunfish varies in size between 10 and 70cm. Loaches are common in most regions of the river. Catfish’s are represented by Siluridae and Ictaluridae. Latter are usually small to midsized, but the largest member of the Siluridae, the Titan Catfish, lives in the Danube. The most common and divers of all fish in the Danube are the Cyprinids. Under them are small to midsized and large forms, omnivores, herbivores and carnivores. Barbs and carps are among the most successful, to latter belongs he Danube Giant Carp, which can grow 4m long and weight one and a half tons. Grass carps are successful herbivores. Silver carps are schooling filter feeders.  European Crocodilepike (Crocesox crocesox) Esociformes Esocidae Crocesocinae Distribution: Europe (Iberia up to Southeast Scandinavia and the West Coast of the Blackcaspian sea), Sea of Marmara, Anatolia and the Caucasus; Fresh and Brackish water, often shallow and dense vegetated Crocodilepikes are large (the largest species C. giganteum can easy surpass a Length of 4 Meters) fishes, that live in (Northern) Eurasia and Northern North America. These fishes have strong fins, so they can crawl a short distance over land, and some species can breathe air. The European Crocodilepike is the most widely distributed species of the genus, they live in most parts of Mainland Europe (only in the South of the Apennines, the Peloponnese and the Region northern of the Polar circle are they absent), in Anatolia and in the Caucasus, and also on the westernmost coast of the Blackcaspian Sea, where they are sympatric with the larger Giant Crocodilepike (Crocesox giganteum). They prefer warm Waters, but they live also in Waters, who can freeze up in winter. The European Crocodilepike is the second largest Member of the genus, normally their 2-3,3m long and can weight 65-300kg (the largest ones can be 4m long and can weight over 500kg!), and Males are much smaller. Their body is long and humped, they have strong fins, with them they can crawl short distances out of water. They have a big head, which makes 1/5 of their length, in those are up to 5cm long Teeth. There are brown or green, often with yellow stripes and belly. They are fast fishes, up to 30 km/h, which can good manoeuvre and fast speed up. They eat mainly fishes, mostly medium and large Perciformes and Cypriniformes, up to size of a small Giant Carp; but also large Amphibians, Reptiles, Waterfowl and Mammals, like Beavermuskrats, but also young River Hogs and Sirenocoypus! Often they lurk in nearshore, dense vegetated regions on prey, but sometimes they attack small and medium sized (up to more than 40kg weighting) Animals on the Rivershore, and pull them into water, where they drown them. In the breeding season between March and May, males besiege the territory of a female and fight against rivals. Only one male pairing with the female, which lies up to a half million eggs after that. Sometimes the Female eat their partner after the mating. First the freshly hatched pikes eat from their yolk sac, but soon after a short time they prey on small animals, like fly larvae’s, fish fry and small crustaceans. Danube Giant Carp (Megacyprinus dānuvius) Cypriniformes Cyprinoidea Cyprinidae Megacyprininae Distribution: Danube, Nagy Tenger Habitat: Deep Waters Giant carps are large to very large omnivorous fish. And the Danube Giant Carp is one of the largest of them. They reach lengths of three to four meters and a weight of 500-1500kg. They are endemic to the Danube river-system; they are the largest pure freshwater fish there. They are long and have a strong, big tailfin. They have large scales; their colouring is brownish or yellowish, with a dark back. They have a forward-protruding mouth. They live in deep water. They are loosely schooling fishes, sometimes they found alone, sometimes in shoals of dozens of individuals. While they usually move slowly, they can reach speeds of 20km/h. Giant carps are omnivores; they eat algal as well as small fish, phytoplankton as well as zooplankton and worms as well as water plants. While Adult Animals usually are too big to be preyed up by predators (save for the largest Titan Catfishes), younger individuals are sometimes preyed up by Crocodilepikes, large Catfishes as well as (when they`re younger) crocodiles, Otterminks, large fish hawks and other fishes. The mating occurs in relatively flat (for the size of this fish) waters, after the spawning the male fertilize the eggs. The female can lay ten million eggs, only a tiny part of them reach the adulthood. They can live well over a century.  Sirenodon primus Rodentia Hystricomorpha Caviomorpha Myocastormorpha Sirenocoypoidae Sirenodontidae Distribution: warm temperate and subtropical Europe Habitat: Large lakes and rivers with a weak streaming Sirenodon primus is the most primitive members of the Sirenocoypoids or Sea Coypus, a group of aquatic sea cow-like rodents, which are distributed in large parts of the world, from the freshwater environments of the tropics to the oceans of the Polar Regions. Sirenodon primus is an relatively small Sirenocoypoids, they are an usually 1,5-2,3m and long and are weighting 80-200kg, with the Danube and Dnieper subspecies(S. p. maximus) reaching an length of 2,8m and an weight of 375kg. Hey are largely distributed: from the Tagus in the west to the Dnieper in the east, from the Rhine and southern Dnieper in the north to the Guadalquivir, the Vardar and the Po (S. p. etruscus which is distributed here, is sometimes recognized as own species) in the south. They have a massive body, which ends in a large, dichotomous fluke. They have large fins, which end in three large claws. They have external visible rests of hind legs, it isn’t known if they have a benefit, and a thick skin . They have large, strong lips and large incisors. Their dental formula is 1/1 0/0 0/0 3/3. As only Sirenocoypoids they can crawl on land, although they do that extremely rarely. They eat different water plants, waterweed and water-lilies as well as reed. They also eat small animals. They are usually solitary animals, although it isn’t uncommon that a group of a few individuals is seen together. As (one of) the largest aquatic grazers in their habitat, they have a big impact on the ecology at this areas. Adults are sometimes preyed by large Crocodilepikes and Titan Catfishes. After a gestation period of 190-225 days (the shortest of all Sirenocoypoids) one young is born in shallow water. At their birth they weight about twelve kilogram, which is also small for a Sirenocoypu. They are lactate about nine months, in all they live two to three years together with their mother. Females reach sexual maturity at the age of three and a half to four years, the males at the age of five to six years. Giant Ottermink (Robustuvison fortis) Carnivora Canoidea Musteloidea Lutravisonidae Distribution: Southern, Central and East Europe (Iberia to Blackcaspian Sea) Habitat: Rivers, lakes and swamps Otterminks are semiaquatic mustelids, which fill the niche of the, in Eurasia, extinct otters. The Giant Ottermink is one of the largest of their kind, and is distributed in large parts of Southern Europe (save for their Distribution in the Blackcaspian Sea, their range is nearly congruent with those of Sirenodon). They live in large bodies of water, that isn’t too filthy, in Rivers and Lakes as well as in swamps and inundated forests. They have a head-to-vein length of 120-160cm, a tail-length of 50-75cm and a weight of 30-70kg. The Head is big and the jaw powerful, the ears and eyes medium sized and the whiskers long: This mammal have a stocky build and short, but strong legs. Their fur is brown and water-repellent. They orient under water with help of their whiskers and their sight. At the riverside they burrow a large passageway, which can be over ten meters long; the access lies under water and the dugout over the border of the flood. They eat fishes (up to Golden Huchen-sized), Waterfowl, Mammals (like Beaverats), Snakes, Molluscs, Crabs, Amphibians, turtles etc. as well as carrion and small shore animals. They even prey sometimes on young River Hogs and Sirenocoypus. They can stay fifteen minutes under water. They are solitary animals and defend a territory of 25km2. Their mating season is from January to march, the copulation happens on land. After a gestation period of three months the female give birth to one to five young’s, which weight 150-180g. They are lactate ten to seventeen weeks. The mother drives the young’s at the age of two years. Females reach sexual maturity with two years, males with two and a half. Greek Crown Crocodile (Coronasuchus magnificens) Crocodilia Crocodylidae Crocodylinae Distribution: South-eastern-Europe, Po Valley, Anatolia Habitat: rivers, swamps and lakes The Greek Crown Crocodile is one of the few crocodile species in Europe, and a remarkable species as well. Their name comes from the up to 10cm long spikes, which the males have over their eyes. It isn`t exactly clear what the advantage of them is, but they are possible used in mating rituals. The Greek Crown Crocodile is a medium sized species of crocodile, with females measuring about 2-2,5m and males 3-3,5m and weighting 40-95kg (females) resp. 130-350kg (males). They are pied crocodiles, their scales at their back are often golden or red, although it dull with the time. Their snout has a medium length, but is comparatively broad, their teeth typical for unspecialized crocodiles. They prey on a large variety of animals, from crabs to large fish, like carps. They also eat turtles, waterfowl, Otterminks and shore animals among others. They sometimes consume fruits. Interesting is the relationship of this species with the Crocodilepike, a fish of prey that is similarly sized and also attack shore animals. While both are generalistic predators, which eat everything they can catch, Crocodilepikes prey in Areas in where they are sympatric less common on shore animals, and more often on schooling fishes of the deeper regions. Males have territories, which they defend sometimes to their death from other males. It is an Possibility that the Crown plays an role in the mating rituals, as males with larger spikes usually are more successful at females; but that is probably so, while the individuals with larger crown are usually larger. About four and a half months after the copulation, the female lays 10-65 eggs, which weight 65-100g, in a 30-40cm deep hole, that is about five to ten meters distant from the water. They are hatched after roughly eighty days, the female protect them their first months. Nevertheless the majority of the young’s are eaten by large fishes, crabs, frogs, snakes, herons, Otterminks and many others. Adult animals have only a few enemies, only large Titan Catfishes, Crocodilepikes, conspecifics and a few terrestrial predators can prey on them. River Hogs often kill these crocodiles, when they meet. Edited by Ursumeles, Aug 12 2016, 04:51 AM.
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Spoiler: click to toggle That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die. -H.P. Lovecraft | |
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| Zorcuspine | Jun 26 2016, 11:34 AM Post #9 |
Enjoying our azure blue world
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For your question on adding images, there is a tutorial here as it pretty much works the same way in all forums. What browser are you using Ursu? Getting the image url is slightly different in each browser, but it usually involves right clicking an image and clicking a button that shows up like "Copy image address". |
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| Ursumeles | Jun 28 2016, 11:44 AM Post #10 |
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Newborn
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Thank you very much 
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Spoiler: click to toggle That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die. -H.P. Lovecraft | |
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| Ursumeles | Jul 28 2016, 04:50 AM Post #11 |
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Newborn
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Ground Quails Ground Birds are very common in the Novacene Epoch. From Palaeognaths (like ostriches and tinamous), over rails, gees and birds of prey up to Galliformes. One of the latter are the Ground Quails (Terracortunixinae). These birds are widely distributed in the warmer Palaearctic and orientalic region, from Northern Africa and Iberia, to India and East Asia. These birds live in different habitats, in forests as well as in steppes. They are usually omnivores, and eat Insects and other small animals as well as seeds and other plants. These Birds differ largely in size, from the small Dwarf Quails, which usually weight under 100g, to the large Turkey Quails, which sometimes weight over 10kg. All these birds usually living at the ground, although they often aren`t bad fliers. They are some flightless species, out of the Running Quail Genus, which are distributed on some of the “islands” in the Mediterranean salt desert. Most of the species have relative sober colours, but some species are also very colourful. The Running Quails (Citocoturnix) are, with more than fifteen species, the most diverse genus of this subfamily. The Common Running Quail (Citocoturnix asiaticus) is the species with the widest distribution, from east Europe to Mongolia; the birds live in open landscapes. With a height of one meter, and an weight of up to six kilogram they are also among the biggest Ground Quails. They can run faster than 25km/h, but are bad fliers. They have mainly brown feathers, but the males have in the courtship period red tail feathers. They usually live in large flocks, of sometimes over 100 individuals, although they are normally smaller. In the same region the Grass Quail (Microcortunix verecundus) lives. As one of the smallest Ground Quails (they weight between 90 and 130g), they are completely different from the Running Quails. They are relatively bad runners, but good fliers. The Microcortunix Genus is the most basal of the Ground Quails. The Turkey Quails(Gallornix) are the largest of their kind, and the Common Turkey Quail or Emperor Quail(Gallornix imperator) is the biggest of them. Males of this species can weight over 10kg, with an height of 1,1m and an wingspan of nearly 1,5m. Like all Turkey Quails they live in forested areas, more precisely in the subtropical rainforests of South-eastern Europe and the Asia Minor. They live in Small flocks, with mixed genders. In these it give an pecking order, which is chosen through fights. |
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Spoiler: click to toggle That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die. -H.P. Lovecraft | |
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| Ursumeles | Aug 9 2016, 07:57 AM Post #12 |
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Newborn
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Original idea and picture by Palaeoaustin(http://paleoaustin.deviantart.com/). I have the permission to use it, and shifted it so that it fits in my project. Arctic Dwarf Whale(Nanobalaena austini) http://img14.deviantart.net/38b4/i/2015/298/b/3/nanobalaena_praeteritus_by_paleoaustin-d9ed6r3.jpg *It don´t have a fin Whales were hit hard at the holocene. More than three out of four species of Toothed whales died out, the Physeteridae, Kogiidae, Pontoporiidae and Iniidae died out completely. The other families where hit hard, only each two porpoises and two beaked whales, the beluga, and a few dolphins survived. The baleen whales where hit even harder, but maybe not so hard as one would assume. It seems that the Southern minke whale was quite common at the end of the holocene, it gives evidence that also other species(other Balaenoptera-species and/or Caperea) outlived the holocene. But at least since 10myaH it seems that all Mysteceti whales were Minke Whales. With one exception. Neobaleana prateritus was an descendent of the bowhead whale and looked very similar to its ancestor. It isn´t exactly clear how the Bowhead whale survived the Holocene, as this species was endangered even at the beginning of the twenty-first century. However, at the middle of the Glaciocene(0-5,3myaH) Ice Age, Bowhead Whales where quite common in the northern oceans, reaching as far in the south as Korea and Iberia. After the Glaciocene they become always rarer, with only one species living in the early/middle Neocene (≈15myaH). Soon after the eventually building of Beringia-after the collision of Siberia and Alaska- they died out completely in the pacific and also in the Atlantic they were driven back in the north. But they weren´t outcompeted by the minke whales. These are mostly medium (for baleen whales) to large sized, swift-swimming species, which eat large krill and small fishes of the upper water regions. The Bowhead whales however, at least the bigger ones, are heavy ones, which eat usually zooplankton near the bottom. Now in the Novacene two Bowhead whales live: the Largemouth Whale(Megaosbalaena praeteritus) and the Arctic Dwarf Whale(Nanobalaena austini). The first one is a very large species; often over 15m long and sometimes 100 tonnes heavy. The latter is the complete opposite, with being barely larger than 4,5 meters, with the biggest being not even 6 meters long. On average, males are about 4,1-4,6m long, and weight 2,1-2,5 tonnes; while females are 4,5-5m long and weight 2,45-2,7 tonnes. Other than their ancestor and their relative, they have a short skull, which makes less than one fifth of the total length. They have large baleens, which are nearly 30cm long. They live in small groups of 4-6 animals, and are usually relative slow swimmer. However, while excited, they can be nearly 20km/h fast. They are filter feeders, and eat small crustaceans and others from near the bottom; they eat around 80kg per day. It isn´t exactly clear when the breeding season is, thought it seem like it is in the autumn. After an gestation period of 11-13 months one calf is born. The lactation period is around 1 year long. The sexual maturity begins with nine years; they can reach 90 years, or more, of age. They are distributed in arctic and subarctic waters, from the Kara Sea in the west to western Iceland in the east. Here they live in relative shallow (not more than 200m deep) waters. The arctic waters of the Novacene are warmer than the Holocene ones, the surface isn´t covered by a very thick ice sheet, they’re often natural holes. If not, even the small dwarf whales can break through it, in the most cases. Besides the Arctic Dwarf Whale a rich fauna of others vertebrates live: small herrings and other schooling fish, besides squalid sharks and large carpcod´s. Seabirds are diverse, with gulls and auks being among the most common. They live a few species of seals and other pinnipeds here, as well as some toothed whales. Most of them coexist peaceful with the Dwarf whale, the Arctic Large toothed whale (Suggestions for a better name are welcome, it is an descendant of the false killer whale) preys casually on it. These large predators overpower the Dwarf whales in groups, which don´t stand a chance against them-every one of them is larger than them. Also the pinniped Deinophoca arcticum preys sometimes on them. Also the large Arctic Sleeper Whale(Megasomniosus arcticus), and its relative, the Atlantic sleeper shark(Megasomniosus atlanticus) sometimes kill these whales. List of cetaceans, which definetly survived the Holocene: Spoiler: click to toggle
Edited by Ursumeles, Aug 13 2016, 02:28 PM.
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Spoiler: click to toggle That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die. -H.P. Lovecraft | |
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| Ursumeles | Aug 11 2016, 05:23 AM Post #13 |
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Newborn
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Aartitans(Porcutheriidae) Rodents were among, if not the, the most diverse and successful mammals in the Holocene. That didn`t change in Novacene. Some Rodents, like mice and rats, were adaptable synanthropes, so they easily survived the Holocene. But not just they, but far more Rodents survived into the Neocene, under them big species such as Capybaras and Nutrias. In the Novacene it gives far more large Rodents, which often dwarf the Holocene ones. The biggest of them are the Hornmouses , the largest species can reach an weight of over five tonnes. After that, the Giant Porcupines and the Clawmouse`s follow, as well as several large New World hystricognaths. These are limited to the Palaearctic respectively the Americans. In Sub-Saharan Africa another subfamily of large Rodents live: The Aartitans(Porcutheriinae). These are descendants of the Old World porcupines of the Genus Hystrix, and are endemic to the Afrotropic region. They aren´t the only unique giants in their habitat; beside, for the Neocene typical, Proboscosuids and large Antelope also some strangelooking Buffaloes and the Thick-headed Pachycephalosuids live. Aartitans are, like said before, of great size, with the weight ranging between 21-620kg. They have stocky bodies and short limbs, which end in hove-like claws. Most species have longer forelegs than hind legs, although the difference is minimal. The Tail size differs significantly between the Species, some have vestigial ones, other large tails, which make a third of their lenght. Like their ancestor they are covered in spikes, although they usually aren´t as long (in relation to their size) like those from the Genus Hystrix. It seems like the Aartitans evolved from large porcupines, which lived in Africa and Southern Eurasia of the Glaciocene. They aren´t many fossils of them, but from what we have, it seems that they typical features evolved in the Early Neocene and that they reach their biggest body size in the end of this Epoch and The early Allocene, with the buffalo-sized Megahystrix. In the middle Allocene-to be more precise, the Calidian- they reach their biggest diversity, with more than 20 species known. Today only 9 species remained, but all of them are quite common. It don´t give evidence that they ever leave the Afrotropic zone. All Aartitans are omnivores, with a very strong preference toward plants. They live in different habitats, although most species prefer savannas over deserts and rainforests. While the activity time differs from species to species, but most are crepuscular. Most Aartitans live in monogamous pairs, but in some species males have harems. After long gestation periods, which can last seven months, one to three young’s are born. They are nursed between 3 and 8 months. They reach sexual maturity, with 1,5 to 4 years and can live 30 years. Giant Aartitan(Porcutherium gigas)  The Giant Aartitan is the largest species of its family. They reach head-body-lengths from 196 to 261cm, shoulder heights of 110-165cm and weights of 410-620kg, although weights between 455 and 580kg are usual. It don´t give an large size difference between the genders. Their tail is 45-70cm long. Their massive body is covered with longs spikes, which are 7-15cm long at the sides, and 25-40cm long at the back. They are distributed in Africa south of the Rainforest. They live in the (sub)tropical savannas and grasslands, sometimes also in semi deserts, but they avoid forests. Their feet end in big, hove-like claws. Giant Aartitans live in small groups of three to five females, with young’s; while males live alone. Their eyes and ears are small, but their olfaction is very good. Like all Aartitans, these species eats mostly plant material, mostly fruits, barks, tubers and roots, which they dig out with their claws. Sometimes they also eat grass and leaves. They complement their diet with small animals, carrion and bones. It is assumed that the debarking of the trees and the eating of bushes, of this species and other Aartitans, play a role, in the preservation of the savanna, and prevent the development of forests. In the mating season, males build a pair with one to two females, every year with the same. The breeding season lies in the January to the May. After a gestation period of six to seven months one to two young are born. New-borns weight between 5 and 10kg, and have at this time soft quills. The size of the home range differs between 300 and 1000km2. They are nursed between 6 and 8 months. They reach their sexual maturity at the age of 3 to 4 years. Predators usually avoid adult Giant Aartitans, even the deadly Titanocrocuta and the gigantic Njembacivets fear a confrontation with these herbivores. But if these Aartitans-or their young’s-are attacked, they defend their selves with their spiky tails, tackling of the attacker and biting of the opponent. But more dangerous than land predators are Crocodiles, which attack them, while they drink. Many smaller herbivores, like duikers and hyraxes, seek the near of them. Congo Aartitan(Villosutherium hylaeus) The Congo Aartitan is an relative basal member of the Aartitans, the Genus Villosutherium is the only living Genus of the Villosutherini. Like their name suggests, they live in the Congo Rainforest and the Central African Rainforst. Here they inhabit the flatland forests. Sometimes they´re hence called Flatland Aartitans, in contrast to the Mountain Aartitan(Villosutherium montanus). As medium sized Aartitans, they reach head-body-lengths of 130-165cm and weights of 130-190kg. They have an relative long tail, which is roughly half as long as the body. Covered in relative soft and short quills, they have hard, long quills on the neck, the head, and the back and at the shoulder. They’re whiskers are short, but not vestigial, like in the most Aartitans. These species live in monogamous pairs, with young’s and eat roots, fruits, bark and soft grasses and leaves. Dwarf Aartitan(Parvotitan australis) The only member of its Genus, the Dwarf Aartitan is the most basal and the smallest member of the Aartitans. Their head-body-length is 90-115cm, their weight differ from 21-55kg, although they usually weight 29-40kg. Their relative slim -although still heavy- for Aartitans, and their quills short. In the winter they have thick hairs under the quills, which protect them from cold temperatures. Their tail is vestigial. They live in the Southern African highlands; here they occur mainly in Grass- and bushlands, as well as in open woodlands. As only Aartitans, these species dig burrows, where they spend their day. In the night they leave it, on the search after roots, fruits, barks and grasses. They live in small groups of 4-9 animals. After an gestation period of 3 months, the female bears one to three young’s in their burrow. The in the September or October born, new-borns weight between 500 and 750g. They are weaned with 4 months, with two years of age they reach their sexual maturity. Dwarf Aartitans have to fear different predators, like big birds of prey and large carnivores. Edited by Ursumeles, Aug 21 2016, 09:25 AM.
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Spoiler: click to toggle That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die. -H.P. Lovecraft | |
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| Ursumeles | Aug 12 2016, 04:37 AM Post #14 |
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Newborn
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Bearbadgers (Ursumelidae) Many large carnivores died out at the end of the Quaternary: most big cats, large viverrids and wolves, as well as all non-North American Bears. Different groups of carnivores occupy similar ecological niches and have a similar lifestyle: The Jukumaris, large coatis, in South America, large civets in South Asia and southern Africa and, with the widest distribution, the Bearbadgers. Bearbadgers are descended from the Genus Meles, and thus Mustelids. They’re the sister group of the True Badgers (Melidae). They form a clade with the Hog Badgers (Arctonyxidae). At first they look roughly like a gigantic version of their Holocene Ancestor: they have a powerful build, short and massive limbs and an (relative) small head. Bearbadgers are large to very large Animals; the weight of the biggest species is near one ton. The Ursumelinae cannot stand fully erect, but the Cyomelinae can. While they seem slow, they can gallop very fast, with speeds of nearly 60km/h. They have massive, elongated skulls, with big teeth. They are omnivores, although most species prefer herbivorous nourishment. They are distributed in large Parts of Eurasia and Northern Africa; from Iberia to East Asia and Japan. They’re missing in Africa southern of the Nile, in India and large parts of Southeast Asia. Although they live sometimes in Steppes, they prefer forest habitats. Some species, which live in the Northern Regions, holding winter sleep. Bearbadgers are, save for mothers with their young’s, solitary animals, which defend their large territories. After a gestation period of 140-300 days –not including the delay, which precedes the implanting of the fertilized eggs into the wall of the uterus-, one to five young’s are born. The spilt between the Ursumelidae and the Melidae was probably shortly before, or in, the Holocene. The first bigger species, which lead to the latter species, lived around 6myaH, with the wolverine-sized Megameles europaeus of Southern Europe, Western Asia and North-eastern Africa. The split between the Ursumelinae and the Cyomelinae possible happened between 11 and 13myaH. The fossil evidence of the latter is sparely, with the Eocyomeles spp. out of the Chinese Allocene Chongqing formation (roughly 13myaH) being the earliest known species. It seems that the Cyomelinae spend most of their time in Asia, with the first fossil evidence in Europe is from 27,1myaH. The first fossil evidence of the Edentulumelini is from 26myah, and from Mesopotamia. Ursumelinae fossils are quite common, with the oldest known evidence is from the Iberian 14myaH Galicia Formation. The Ursumelinae apparently didn`t change much in shape over the time. It seems like Ursumelids never reached India, North America or Africa south of the Nile. Antbadger (Edentulumeles insectivorous) Distribution: South-Eastern Europe, Western Asia The Antbadger is the only species of its Genus, one of only two Genus’s’ of the Cyomelinae. The Antbadger is relatively small, with a maximal weight of 80kg.They´re distributed in the Balkan, the Asia Minor and the Caucasus. Here this Species live in subtropical rainforests. They have a long snout, and they lack incisors. At their feet large claws sit. While they are omnivores, insects like Ants, Termites and larvae’s make up a huge part of their diet. Antbadgers can, other than most other Bearbadgers, climb on trees. They´re mating season is in the July, and after a Gestation period of 140-155 days, plus short delay, the young’s are born in the February or early March. Honshu-Kuma (Cyomeles kuma) Distribution: Japan; Honshu The Cyonmeles-Genus is the type species of the Cyomelinae, and endemic to the Japanese Islands. The Honshu-Wani (Cyomeles kuma) is the biggest species of the Genus, and lives-as the Name says- only on the Honshu-Island. “Kuma” is Japanese for “Bear”. This Bearbadger is the largest terrestrial predator of Japan, with an head-body-length of 1,5-2m, an shoulder height of 0,8-1m and an weight of 120-230kg; bigger is only the crocodile Wani gigas. The Honshu-Wani lives in every habitat of Honshu, from the Coast regions, over the subtropical rainforests, up to the temperate Mountain forests. Their snout is more doglike, as in other Bearbadgers, and their teeth are adapted to tear flesh. Yet, plant material makes 80% of their diet, at average. Giant Bearbadger (Ursumeles arctos)  Distribution: Northern, Middle and Eastern Europe, Northern Asia The Giant Bearbadger is the largest Ursumelid –and the largest non-Bear or Pinniped Carnivore of the world-. They reach head-to-body-lengths of 250-330cm, a Shoulder height of 100-125cm and weights of 500-1000kg. They live in large parts of Northern Eurasia, and here they inhabit forests. They have short summer-fur and long winter-fur. They also have a layer of fat. While it gives evidence, that they hold winter sleep, but it isn’t sure. Like all Bearbadgers they´re omnivores, and they prefer –like the most- plant material, although they all but despise carrion, rodents and other flesh. Edited by Ursumeles, Aug 21 2016, 09:26 AM.
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Spoiler: click to toggle That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die. -H.P. Lovecraft | |
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| Ursumeles | Aug 19 2016, 04:14 AM Post #15 |
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 The Holocene ended with an exincton, which especially large animals(Apes, Elephants, Sirens, Sea Turtles and some others) and ones with an restricted range(many Islandspecies), falled as victim. The Glaciocene was the last epoch of the quarternary Ice Age, very similar in many aspects to the holocene. In this epoch, the Strait of Gibraltar closed, and the Mediterrean Sea slowly dried out. In the Glaciocene also the break-away Aksuminias from africa begun. In the Reliquocene, the last epoch of the Quaternary, the clima became warmer and the Se level rised. Only a few thousand years after the Glaciocene, the Sea Level was higher than ever in the last seven million years. Nevertless Beringia became permanent at the begging of the epoch. South america became an Islandcontinent, Aksuminia finally became an own Subcontinent at the end of this epoch, and Antarctica migrated constand towards North. The Blackcaspian Sea also formed in this epoch. The, through the forming of Beringia and the wandring of Antarrctica, changed ocean currents, lead to an change of the climate, it became firstly warmer, and then, at the end of the epoch, cooler, which followed an exincton. While actually small, this was the reason of some significant exinctons: Eurasian Bears, Giraffes and Big Cats in the Old World, to name a few. With this the Quaternary finally end. The next Period was the Consequogene, starting with the Neocene epoch. In the Neocene the clima became again warmer: Most Ice Sheets dissappeared, the Tropics spread out. In the Neocene epoch many typical Novacene families had their first evidence: Bearbadgers, Giraffe Llamas, Giant Porcupines, and Proboscusuids at the very start of the epoch. Others had their last big; at the beginnin of the Epoch Horses reached again an big Diversity, even colonizing North America again. Now they´re limited to Aksuminia, some Mountain Regiones and Baja California, which they reached shortly before its breakawy from North America. Following Volcanic Activity, many new Islands in Oceania and other parts of the world orginated. The most influence had propably the enlargment of Iceland, and other new originated Islands in the North Atlantic: These changed the ocean streams, which followed an cooling of the North Sea and the rest of the European waters, and reduce-along with Beringia- the reduce of the salinity in the Arctic Ocean. The Northern Pacific by contrast became warmer. The clima of Neocene was humid, but not as in the following epoch. The Allocene was very warm and humid, rainforest spread widel over the world, but not as far as in the Eocene. In contrast, to the normally warm climate, one region became cooler: the Himalayas, as they became always higher since the Holocene. In the late Allocene thought, the height reduced, and in the north of the Himalayas an large Plateau formed. In the end of the Allocene thew climate again cooled, but it is still far warmer than in the Holocene. Eventually we arrived in the Novacene! Edited by Ursumeles, Aug 19 2016, 04:16 AM.
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11:56 AM Jul 13