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| Novopangea; My version of the next Supercontinent. | |
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| Topic Started: Jul 23 2016, 08:38 PM (2,179 Views) | |
| Dapper Man | Jul 23 2016, 08:38 PM Post #1 |
* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Novopangea (Update 2: TerrificTyler made a fantastic map. Thanks mate!)200 million years from now, things have changed. The whole world is seemingly void of modern megafauna- and is seems as though this world is a mixture between the Cretaceous and the Oligocene periods of past times. Many strange and weird critters dominate the megafauna- but it seems as if they’re all descended from Squamates- this might as well be Squamate World. However, they aren’t the only critters around- giant birds haunt the northern forest, a reminder of what was once dominant- and this bird seems to have come from the most unexpected ancestor. Small mammals, like they did in the cretaceous, cower in fear from these giant Squamates, although a few are capable of devouring Squamlings (Tentative name for Squamate Hatchlings, Squamates + Hatchling.) A surprising amount of Squamates have converged with certain Ornithischian and Ungulate groups, and hence are called Squamulates (Tentative name, Squamates + Ungulates.) This is a common name, however, for several lineages, sometimes related and sometimes not, Squamates converging with Ungulates. The climate of Novopangea is not to dissimilar from the Oligocene, with forests just beginning to fade away and being replaced by open woodlands, grasslands and deserts. However, these forests are the most biodiverse environments, and share many of their fauna with the other environments. A lot of Novopangeas fauna seems to have come from Zealandia, a small, isolated microcontinent located to the far south east that is about a quarter the size of Australia. It too is filled with its own bizarre fauna, not unlike Novopangea. A mixture of both familiar and unfamiliar groups live on this new earth- many groups seem to prefer mimicking ancient Ungulate groups, whilst others head into the unknown and produce utterly bizarre groups. Welcome then, to Novopangea. Table of Contents
Edited by Dapper Man, Aug 22 2016, 05:15 PM.
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Speculative Evolution: Manitou; The Needle in the Haystack. | |
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| Dapper Man | Jul 23 2016, 09:01 PM Post #2 |
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* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Anatograzer (Epipedidon Tachytito.) Large sized animals are common in Novopangea. On the prairies, one could find Dinoceratan/Brontohere esque Scinids, in the Forests, one could find Proboscid and Diprotodont esque forms, and, unsurprisingly, Hadrosauroid esque forms as well, popping up in and between the Woodlands and Forests, in which the former is slowly being replaced by woodlands and grasslands. Whilst the commoner with the least amount of biological knowledge would assume, in such a event, mammals would come back to dominate, they haven't in this future scenario. Long answer short: Reptiles, most specifically the Skinks, have managed to dominate the carnivorous and herbivorous niches in Novopangea, thus forming their own order; the Savrungulata, or "Lizard Ungulates", sometimes also being called Squamulates. A denizen of the woodlands and forests, modern Anatograzers (Epipedidon spp.) first evolved some 1 million years ago, and, even though primitive versions still exist, they are mostly outcompeted by Anatograzers. Whilst they are about the size of a large Horse-Rhino sized, many of their relatives are, more or less, smaller versions of Anatograzers. Dispersed across all (Current) habitats, these docile herbivores are a proper echo to the past, with one subspecies, ✝Epipedidon Giganteus, known from just 10,000 years ago, was a massive 7 meters long, a pure echo to the past, galloping along the distant past. Mating for Anatograzers takes place all year round, and, as such, gestation for mother Anatograzers takes, sometimes, up to 3 months. Usually, females give birth to 3 pups, but, on occasion, they can give birth of up to 5 pups. Like all Squamulates, they give birth to live young, which was another advantage to their success. However, there are still opportunistic mammals that will prey on defenseless, young, Squamulates. Edited by Dapper Man, Aug 8 2016, 01:55 AM.
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| Dapper Man | Jul 24 2016, 04:14 AM Post #3 |
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* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Boariguana (Brontagama Ostopagus.) Whilst the Anatograzer shows signs of a grazing lifestyle and running habits, its distant relative, the Boariguana, is almost the complete oppposite. Its large size, combined with its primitive jaw structure for a Squamulate, shows that is a part of the original wave of "Mega-Squamates" that prowled early Novopangea. At a massive 5 meters long, the Boariguana is one of the last of the Varanochoeridae, the first apex predators of the Squamulata order. Indeed, these massive carnivores are the largest carnivorous animals of Novopangea, only being succeeded by the Giant Cephalopods and Fish of the Global Ocean. Boariguana's are perhaps the most interesting of the Varanochoerids, and the largest of them. Boariguana's large size means that hunter swifter prey is a difficult, so a typical Boariguana can often be found scavenging many carcasses, with their sheer bulk making it difficult to chase after prey. The skull s of Boariguana's are a interesting subject, with multitudes of knobbly structures being found on their faces. In the breeding season, the males knobs and wart like structures brighten up to attract the females, and fights between males are usually for the females, although these are usually just threat displays. Boariguana's are denizens of the woodlands of Novopangea. These giant carnivores are solitary animals, only coming together to breed. Gestation periods for these animals usually take around 5-6 months, with some exceptions taking 7 months. Females give birth to, usually, 1-2 pups, but a case has been reported that of up to 3 pups have been birthed. Mating for Boariguana's usually takes place around Spring-Summer, with the rich food and water sources providing the young Boariguana's with a head start in life. Edited by Dapper Man, Aug 8 2016, 03:12 AM.
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| Dapper Man | Jul 27 2016, 02:34 AM Post #4 |
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* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Banshee (Nothronavis spp.) These giant birds are perhaps some of the most interesting of Novopangeas megafauna- and they are the tallest, often reaching heights of up to 3 meters, Banshee's are, perhaps, descended from the least likely ancestor; the Ratite known as the Kiwi, or Apteryx spp. Whilst this insectivore may not be the biggest animal, it certainly is the tallest, and, whilst its diet remains the same as its ancestor, it is a completely different animal. Indeed, Banshee's are safe from most predators, with their sheer bulk often giving them space from possible predators like Boariguanas. At a weight of 2 tonnes, these are interesting animals. Denizens of the shrublands and woodlands of Novopangea, Banshees are commonly spotted around termite and ant nests. Wherever these are, a Banshee is not to far away. Whilst mostly insectivores, Banshees will, on occasion, scavenge from carcasses every now and then. Interestingly, Banshees are more social than their ancestors, with groups often reported consisting of 4-12 members, and the Banshees bulk often provides enough protection for other animals to cower with them, like the Anatograzers and kin. Indeed, these, like their ancestors, are carnivores. Whilst males are usually solitary, females are the ones to gather in groups. The feathers of Banshees are thick in the winter, and loosen out in the summer, when the environment is warmer. These giant birds might end up being the last of the avian megafauna- although the future of birds is a uncertain one. Edited by Dapper Man, Aug 8 2016, 03:13 AM.
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| peashyjah | Jul 27 2016, 12:28 PM Post #5 |
Bydo
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Why, this already turns up so great and interesting!! P.S. i might try my best to work on a better map of this for you. |
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Discontinued projects: The New Ostracoderms (i might continue with this project again someday) The Americas (where in 58 million years from now in the future North and South America has both become isolated island continents) All Expansions (my attempt at expanding the universe of All Tomorrows by Nemo Ramjet aka C.M. Kosemen, started June 6, 2018) Anthropozoic (my attempt at expanding the universe of Man After Man and also a re-imagining of it, coming 2019 or 2020) New Cenozoica (my attempt at expanding the universe of The New Dinosaurs and also a re-imagining of it, also coming 2019 or 2020) All Alternatives or All Changes (a re-telling of All Tomorrows but with some minor and major "changes", coming June 10, 2018) | |
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| Dapper Man | Jul 28 2016, 03:51 AM Post #6 |
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* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Gojiriguana (Arthrosinychus Gojiriformes.) Indeed, as the forests began to recede, some fauna began to get big. This isn't a surprise- half of all Squamulates are above the 2 meter mark, and all have a erect limb posture. Even when these animals first developed some 75 million years ago, they were semi-sprawling oddities that belonged within 17th century Paleoart. Their descendants, however, would learn from their mistakes, although one resident of the woodlands seems oddly reminiscent of those monstrosities- the Gojiriguana. At a length of 3 meters and a height of 2 meters, these knuckle walking beasts are reminiscent of those ancient oddities. However, none of those live till the present- rather, this is a Savrungulate, with only three relatives left alive today. Their placement in the Squamulate family tree is a confusing one- they could either be Girgorisquamates (Anatograzers and kin + Qimmats and kin) or Coronocymates (Riesentiers and kin + Boariguana's and kin.) However, it seems more likely that they are Girgorisquamates. But, whilst most features point at Gojiriguanas being Girgorisquamates, some evidence points to them being Coronocymates, like the Boariguanas. Mating for Gojiriguanas takes place during Spring- like most Squamulates. Females, due to their 4 meter body size (Females are bigger than males, through a process called sexual dimorphism), can remain pregnant for almost a year, and make them more vulnerable as a result. These giant omnivores are reliant on their mothers for as long as 2 years in some cases, before being pushed out of the herd and forced to make their own herd. Male Gojiriguanas suffer from this fate anyways, whereas females are offered their own choice to either stay in the herd or find a new herd to be a part of. Edited by Dapper Man, Aug 8 2016, 02:20 AM.
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| Dapper Man | Jul 28 2016, 05:17 PM Post #7 |
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* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Savrungualata (Squamulates) Novopangeas most interesting megafauna. The main attraction of Novopangea is the Squamulates, large bodied Squamates descended from Skinks. Indeed, these small omnivores were seemingly insignificant throughout the Holocene and some of the Savrizoic (A anagram of Lizard + Cenozoic) remained small, insignificant omnivores, with a few bone crunching forms here and there, only reaching lengths of up to 30 centimeters. Early Savrungulates had their break when 2 million kilometer, Siberian Trap like formations, erupted, wiping out most of the life on earth. Indeed, almost all mammals were doomed, with 95% of all families vanishing within the first 10,000 years. 80% of all Avian groups and orders dying off, 50% of all Squamate families dying off, 90% of Crocodilian families dying off, 70% of all Fish families dying off, 90% of Amphibian families fading away, and 30% of all Insect families vanishing. After this extinction, many forms had their attempt at claiming the ecological throne, but none did so better than the Squamulates. Indeed, as they recovered, Squamulates, scientifically known as Savrungulata, early on split into two groups, the Grigorisquamata, usually fast, cursorial animals not to dissimilar to Holocene Ungulates, and the Coronocymates, usually slow, bulky carnivores not to dissimilar to various groups of Stem-Mammals (But with a upright posture) and Entelodonts. Indeed, many convergences can be seen with these Squamates and Mammals- so it isn't a surprise that they follow a some what similar route. Spreading out across Novopangea, they still have many niches to hold. Edited by Dapper Man, Aug 8 2016, 03:32 AM.
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| Dapper Man | Jul 28 2016, 08:49 PM Post #8 |
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* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Thank you. |
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Speculative Evolution: Manitou; The Needle in the Haystack. | |
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| Finncredibad | Jul 28 2016, 09:27 PM Post #9 |
Edgy and Cool
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Hey, this is pretty good. Your vocabulary in your projects is a lot better than mine.
Edited by Finncredibad, Jul 28 2016, 09:28 PM.
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Favorite quotes Spoiler: click to toggle Projects and stuff Spoiler: click to toggle
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| Dapper Man | Jul 28 2016, 10:45 PM Post #10 |
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* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Thank you! Also, don't think you're bad at wording, you'll eventually find your style 
Edited by Dapper Man, Jul 29 2016, 01:17 AM.
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| Dapper Man | Jul 29 2016, 03:36 AM Post #11 |
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* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Leaping Terror (Microterras Touosteus) Amongst the open woodlands and forests of Novopangea, mammals as a whole are rare. Every now and then, <100kg mammals can be found, from the Beaver like Placophagus to the Panther like Leaping Terror. At a length of 30 centimeters and a weight of 10kgs, these are mammals are not to be messed with, being descended from the highly adaptable Opossums1. These interesting marsupials were one of the first fully predatory mammals to be found in Novopangea, and their success was a shock to scientists alike, as they thought the presence of these carnivores, successfully preying upon baby Savrungulates and feeding their own young. As their name suggests, Leaping Terrors use leaping as a way to attack prey. Instead of being ambush predators like most of their ancestors and relatives, these lie in wait amongst the ferns and grasses, before jumping down on their prey in a surprise attack. Like their ancestors and their relatives (Didelphimorpha and Dasyuromorpha), these are predators, not unlike Thylacosmilids (Saber-Toothed, Predatory Stem-Metatheres distantly related to Opossums and "Devils".) In some of their close relatives, saber teeth have in fact evolved, although they are never that big. Mating for Leaping Terrors occurs between Summer-Autumn, when the parents are best suited for giving birth. Mothers guard their young for 2-3 years, teaching them the skills of life. A average litter of pups tends to be around 5-6 youngsters. 1: Originally, they were Shrew descendants, but I realized that Shrews weren't that capable of producing hunting forms. Note to self: Do a favor and do not do a After Man. Edited by Dapper Man, Aug 13 2016, 07:39 PM.
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| Dapper Man | Jul 29 2016, 06:21 PM Post #12 |
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* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Greater Cthulhu (Katastrofeas Tonkosmoni) These gentle giants were found within the first year of the explorations of Novopangea. Indeed, it wasn't expected that these monsters cruised harmlessly in the place of Whales and most Sharks. Indeed, these 25 meter long Cephalopods are basal members of a order known as Thikiteuthia ("Sheath Squids" in Greek) which are a bit of a misnomer. Yes, these giant cephalopods are, well, cephalopods, but they are actually descended from the Cuttlefish, which actually proved to be more successful in the long run. Often found in the open ocean, these planktonivores are filter feeders, and are often convenient prey for fish, sharks and cephalopods alike. Whereas most cephalopods live within the 5-20 year range, these cephalopods can live for more than 50 years. Indeed, these giant hulks are expected to live for that long with their giant size. Like their ancestors and relatives, Cthulus can shift their color patterns, from a bright mix of blue, green and yellow for courtship to a dreadfully blood like shade of red to deter predators. Mating for these open water cephalopods occurs within autumn, when Cthulhus are most ready for winter, being satisfied from the mass swarms of plankton. With a appearance of a mix between a Cuttlefish and a Flamingo, these cephalopods are certainly a magnificent critter to behold. Even so, their numbers are dropping, possibly due to climate change and competition from more advanced relatives. Edited by Dapper Man, Aug 13 2016, 07:40 PM.
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| Dapper Man | Aug 4 2016, 02:45 AM Post #13 |
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* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Jabberwocky (Metriosuchus Ultimidens) These odd animals are some of the last of the crocodilians. Indeed, their odd shape indicates a squat, hindrance riddled lifestyle. Surprisingly, Jaberwockies are some of the more common Woodland. Whilst Jabberwockies are some of the more relictual Crocodylomorphs, and seem to be aligned within the Panoploplacidae family of Suchochoerina, squat, Aetosaur like Crocodylomorphs that were apart of the Crocodilian radiation some 125 million years ago, and appear to be the last of the Suchochoerina. With a mixture of Pig/Reptile habits, Jabberwockies are antisocial, only coming together to breed. Despite looking like obvious targets for many predators, like the Pionitor's and Leaping Terrors, these meter long crocodilians have perhaps the strongest armor of all megafauna of Novopangea, with some cases suggesting that they could withstand as much as a ton of weight. Wicked, 30 centimeter long spikes decorate Jabberwocky armor, making it a dangerous foe for curious, young Pionitors and kin. Jabberwockies are perhaps, along with their close cousins, worthy for their names. Whilst many of their close relatives are tentatively named after many Pop.Culture Dragons, the Jabberwocky was named after Lewis Carols Jabberwocky, whilst it looked like a Dragon, indeed, Jabberwockies have diverged quite a lot from their Crocodilian ancestors, and seem to specialized to make a comeback in terms of evolution. Mating for Jabberwockies occurs between Spring and Summer, with gestation for females occuring between 8-10 months. Young Jabberwockies are tended for around 1 year, before being pushed off to fend for themselves by their mothers. Edited by Dapper Man, Aug 13 2016, 07:40 PM.
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| peashyjah | Aug 4 2016, 12:33 PM Post #14 |
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Bydo
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Are reptiles the dominant land vertebrates in this supercontinent of the future? |
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Discontinued projects: The New Ostracoderms (i might continue with this project again someday) The Americas (where in 58 million years from now in the future North and South America has both become isolated island continents) All Expansions (my attempt at expanding the universe of All Tomorrows by Nemo Ramjet aka C.M. Kosemen, started June 6, 2018) Anthropozoic (my attempt at expanding the universe of Man After Man and also a re-imagining of it, coming 2019 or 2020) New Cenozoica (my attempt at expanding the universe of The New Dinosaurs and also a re-imagining of it, also coming 2019 or 2020) All Alternatives or All Changes (a re-telling of All Tomorrows but with some minor and major "changes", coming June 10, 2018) | |
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| Dapper Man | Aug 4 2016, 02:31 PM Post #15 |
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* I am fed up with dis wuurld *
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Yes, although a few Birds and Mammals are still holding large niches as well. |
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