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The Xenocene project ( the foreign age ); 55 million years in the future
Topic Started: Aug 3 2016, 02:08 PM (3,165 Views)
AlphaX9
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Currently we're living in a time period known as the anthropocene. Aka the age of man.
We're in the middle of the 6th mass extinction, in which 30 to 50 percent of plants and animals are at risk of going extinct. In the next few centuries, many groups of plants and animals will become extinct due to pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, overfishing, over hunting, invasive species, and other factors. And they'll have no future descendants.
Fortunately humans weren't lucky either. As the human population sky rocketed, resources become hard to subtain 12 billion people, and eventually disease kills off most of the population.
A pandemic greater than that of the Bubonic plague during the dark ages. The origins of the disease is unknown, but it's probably an evolved disease/virus that is around today. ( you can use your imagination ). The remaining population that does survive leaves earth and colonize another earth-like planet ( possibly Alpha X ).

After the extinction of man, the planet returns to its natural state and life starts to fill ecological niches that were empty at the time. Even the life that did survive the 6th mass extinction were unable to adapt to another incoming threat. Around 800,000 to 15 million years in the future, an ice age occurred. Planet becomes colder and drier and some of the remaining animals and plants began to die out because of climate change and competition. Although this event didn't kill off too many animals and plants.

We fast forward to the time period that our scenario takes place during the Xenocene epoch.
55 million years in the future, the climate is pretty stable. The main difference is that the continents have shifted, broke apart, and collided with each other, and the animals and plants that are around in this time period are the survivors of the 6th mass extinction and the ice age.
Many of the creatures during the Xenocene look similar to the animals that we have today, while others look and act differently than their modern ancestors.

Animals that will survive and evolve

* pigs
* Peccaries
* Most mustelids ( weasels, ferrets, otters, badgers, etc )
* Small cats
* Mongooses and civets
* Most rodents
* Lagomorphs
* Deer ( Eurasia and North America )
* A portion of bats
* Shrews, moles & hedgehogs
* Certain bovines ( buffalo, bison, antelope )
* Raccoons
* Some marsupials ( kangaroos, wallabies, possums, opossums, wombats, quoll )
* Most old world monkeys ( baboons, macaques, etc )
* Many new world monkeys
* Armadillos
* Some anteaters
* Aardvarks
* New world vultures
* Some parrots
* Hummingbirds
* Swifts
* Most storks, herons, bitterns, ibises, spoonbills, and flamingos
* Most flightless birds ( ostriches, emus, etc )
* Gulls
* Waders
* Ducks, geese, and swans
* Loons and grebes
* Game birds ( partridge, quail, pheasants, grouses, and peacocks )
* Most pigeons and doves
* Birds of prey( Owls, most Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, etc )
* Most perching birds
* Some crocodilians
* Adaptable reptiles
* Hardy fish


Animals that'll go extinct

* big cats ( lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cheetahs, etc )
* Hyenas
* Bears
* Rhinos
* Possibly hippopotamuses
* Elephants
* Whales & Dolphins
* Most seals and sea lions
* Most canids
* Apes
* Most lemurs
* Specialized mammals in general ( pandas, koalas, etc )
* Horses ( domestic, zebras, etc )
* Tapirs
* Monotremes
* Domestic animals ( cattle, sheeps, goats )
* Camels and possibly llamas
* Okapi and giraffes
* Pangolins
* Sloths
* Some anteaters
* Old world vultures
* Most tropical birds
* Majority of penguins
* Specialized birds in general
* Tuatara
* Most turtles
* A large number of lizards and snake
* Most amphibians
* Most Large fish
* Fish that are too sensitive to change

If you like my ideas or if you want to give me your imput
Put a comment down in the section below.
Edited by AlphaX9, Aug 24 2016, 01:52 PM.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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Terronyx
Scientific name:
Height: 4 feet at the shoulder. 6'5 feet standing upright
Length: 12 feet
Weight: 390 ibs
Habitat: desert and Savannah
Native region: Africa
Evolved from: aardvark
Lifespan: 25 years

- name means " earth claw "
- terronyx somewhat resembles its ancestors. Except that it's extremely large, almost hairless, and possess large claws.
- its large size gives it a defensive edge against predators. It uses its large claws to jab the throats or eyes of its predators. Their main threats are tree stalkers and kaizari.
- the terronyx primarily eats ants and termites. They travel through the Savannah, use their massive claws to dig holes through an ant/termite mound, and use their elongated sticky tongue to catch their meal. They don't stay at the same ant/termite mound for long. They eat whatever they can catch for a few minutes and then they go to another mound.

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Sand worm
Scientific name:
Length: 12 inches
Habitat: desert
Native region: Northern Africa
Evolved from: sandfish
Lifespan: 10 years

- despite its name, the sand worm is a desert dwelling lizard. They spend most of their time underground and only come out at night.
- they're a golden sand color and have tiny black markings on its back. Its scales allow it to blend in with the sand in order to avoid birds of prey and snakes.
- they have a shovel like head to bury through the ground. Their front limbs are short but their back legs have been reduced so much that they're now tiny spurs. They're now vestigial and no longer serves its original function.
- their main diet consists of worms and ground dwelling insects.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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Chromepithecus
Scientific name:
Height: 6 feet at the shoulder. 10 feet standing upright
Weight: 950 to 1120 ibs
Habitat: rainforest
Native region: Africa
Evolved from: olive baboon
Lifespan: 50 years

- name means " color ape "
- during the age of man, the great apes use to inhabit the rainforests of Africa and Asia.
( Gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees ) but during this time period, these primates suffered severely mainly because of habitat destruction, disease, and over hunting. In the next century, they became extinct. several million years later, another group of primates replaced them. The chromepithecus is one of them. This primate is a massive herbivorous monkey that fill a similar niche to that of gorillas.
- males and females are sexually dimorphic. Females are smaller, possess a short brown mane, and a brown face. Males are bigger, have a long dark mane, and a bright colorful face ( red, blue, and yellow ). Both sexes have a blue butt.
- chromepithecus are specialists. They feed on certain fruit, leaves, and bamboo shoots.
However because these plants are abundant in its ecosystem, their populations are pretty stable.
- they live in troops. Consisting of an alpha male, a few subordinate males, several females, and babies. They're typically calm and peaceful. The only predator that they have are tree stalkers.

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Boltfoot
Scientific name(s):
Height: 4 feet
Weight: 200 ibs
Habitat: Savannah
Native region: Africa
Evolved from: dik dik
Lifespan: 20 years

- boltfoot are small, nimble herbivores that are common throughout Africa. They're 4 different species. The shank horn, the scythe horn, the ski horn, and the lance horn. All of them have relatively long necks and legs, a short coat, and live in small harems.
- they feed on berries, grass, and shrub leaves. Their main predators are the Savannah sprinter and the slate back. Their main defense against predators is running. The boltfoot gets its name because they're the second fastest animal; 58 mph. They have better stamina than the Savannah sprinter.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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Mountain back tortoise
Scientific name:
Height: 3 feet
Length: 8'5 feet
Weight: 1000 ibs
Habitat: Savannah
Native region: Africa
Evolved from: leopard tortoise
Lifespan: 120 years

- these tortoises are one of the few remaining testudines left. Most of them went extinct during the anthropocene because of habitat destruction, pollution, over harvesting, or invasive species.
- mountain back tortoises are massive and slow. In order to protect themselves from predators, they possess hard ostreoderms on their head, legs, and tail. Their necks are the only vulnerable spot.
- A female could lay up to 50 eggs in one nest. Most of her offspring won't survive their first year. And most tortoises don't reach the 100 year mark.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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Grey nest mugger
Scientific name:
Height: 1 ft
Length: 2 feet
Weight: 5 ibs
Habitat: deciduous and coniferous forests
Native region: North America
Evolved from: gray squirrel
Lifespan: 12 years

- nest muggers are tree dwelling predatory rodents that possess a ferret like body and a long neck. They're omnivorous; primarily eating nuts, fruit, small animals, and eggs.
- They're nest muggers because they raid bird nests and eat the eggs or chicks.
- These rodents store a stash of berries and nuts in a secluded burrow under a tree. They don't hibernate, but instead are active all year.

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American Titanobadger
Scientific name:
Height: 5'3 feet
Weight: 1000 to 1300 ibs
Habitat: grasslands
Native region: North America
Evolved from: American badger
Lifespan: 30 years

- the American Titanobadger is the apex predator of the plains. They'll kill and eat anything they can get their paws on. They're primarily solitary and are extremely territorial. Titanobadgers mark their turfs with urine to warn other animals to keep away.
- Possessing a bear like body with black and white markings. These animals are equipped with bone crushing jaws and powerful arms. They can run up to 35 mph but only for short distance.
- Lagotheres and elkaloo are the primary prey of the titanobadger. They target the weakest individuals, pin the prey down, and then break the preys neck. Titanobadgers are also known to scavenge. Stealing the kills of other predators including wrats.
- The European titanobadger is a descendant of the European badger. They live in deciduous forests and are smaller than their North American cousins. Unlike the American Titanobadger, European titanobadgers are omnivorous.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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Elkaloo
Scientific name:
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 2500 Ibs
Habitat: grasslands
Native region: North America
Evolved from: elk
Lifespan: 20 to 28 years

- portmanteau of elk and buffalo
- Elkaloo fill a similar niche as bison. They roam The Great Plains in the hundreds, migrating from one spot to another. Living in herds protects them from titanobadgers and wrats.
- Males possess Y shaped antlers that are 4 feet long. Most deers during this time period have reduced antlers due to living in dense forest. But because elkaloo live in open grassland where they're not confined to the trees, they can grow their antlers.

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Mountain rammer
Scientific name:
Height: 4 feet
Weight: 450 ibs
Habitat: mountains
Native region: North America
Evolved from: mountain goat
Lifespan: 15 years

- mountain rammers are bulky goats that possess extremely large curved horns. Males compete with each other by head butting each other with tremendous force.
- They have shaggy white fur that's double layered. This protects them from the harsh mountain conditions. Their hooves are well adept for hanging onto slippery rocks without tripping. Even when being chased by a predator.
Edited by AlphaX9, Nov 13 2016, 05:31 PM.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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Forest tusker
Scientific name:
Height: 2 feet
Weight: 100 ibs
Habitat: deciduous forests
Native region: North America
Evolved from: white tailed deer
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years

- white tailed deer are one of the most widespread megafauna in North America. Mainly because they have no predators that can control their populations besides humans. After the age of man, these animals have changed drastically over the course of 55 million years. For starters, they're half the size as todays deer, secondly their fur has changed to a silvery gray with white spots instead of brown, Their antlers have been reduced to two blade shaped antlers, and they possess 3 inch tusks. Males are the only ones that have tusks.
- Forest Tuskers live in harems of up to 10 individuals. Males compete for the right to mate by shoving each other. They rarely use their tusks when competing. They use their tusks as a weapon for self defense against predators.

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regal jay
Scientific name(s)
Height: 13 inches
Weight: 105 grams
Habitat: deciduous forest
Native region: North America
Evolved from: blue jay
Lifespan: 10 to 17 years

- regal jays get their name because of their elaborate beautiful plumage. Male feathers are black, white, and several shades of blue. Females are black, white, and several shades of brown.
- They're 3 different species of regal jays. The northern, the southern ( which are white and dark blue ), and the purple ( which are primarily black and possess purple and blue markings )
- These birds primarily eat insects, berries, and seeds.
- Regal jays are typically monogamous and are known to mate for life. However both males and females will mate with other partners on the side in order to create a diverse gene pool. A nest typically have 4 cyan eggs. Both parents raise the chicks without known who is the actual biological father of the chicks.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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Bearcoon
Scientific name:
Height: 7 feet standing up
Weight: 900 ibs
Habitat: wetlands
Native region: North America
Evolved from: raccoon
Lifespan: 25 to 29 years

- Bearcoons are massive piscivores that live in and around water. They're essentially a massive raccoon, but they possess opposable fingers with a large sickle like thumb claws.
- Bearcoons eat fish, crayfish, and snakes. They sit in the edge or within bodies of water and swipe up any prey items it could catch. It uses its sickle like claws to hold onto its prey.
- They're placid most of the time. However they can be aggressive if it feels threatened. They're very protective of their pups.
- Females teach their pups how to hunt for fish. The pups hitch a ride on the back of their mother when crossing a river or lake.

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False toucan
Scientific name:
Height: 18 inches
Weight: 3 ibs
Habitat: tundras
Native region: arctic circle
Evolved from: tufted puffin
Lifespan: 20 years

- False toucans get their name because their multicolored beaks resembles a toucans. These birds gave up flight in favor of swimming. Their wings are now flippers and are adept for cutting through water. They're clumsy on land and walk with a waddling gate.
- Their plumage is primarily black with their face and neck being tan. Their beaks are red, yellow, and orange. They're monomorphic and are extremely difficult to tell which one is male or female. Speaking of which; false toucans are monogamous and will mate for life. They take turns watching their offspring while one of them heads off into the ocean and hunt for fish and squid. If one of them dies, they'll grieve the death of their partner and could die of loneliness. And if they have chicks, it'll raise the offspring by itself.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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Thorn back possum
Scientific name:
Height: 9 inches
Length: 29 inches
Weight: 14 ibs
Habitat: deciduous and coniferous forests
Native region: North America
Evolved from: Virginia opossum
Lifespan: 8 years

- the thorn back possum is a omnivorous marsupial that possess quills on its back. Like the porcupine, it uses these quills as defense against predators. Another defense against predators it that they hiss at their prey, raise up their quills to warn predators that it's not edible, and if that doesn't work; it'll play dead and produce an awful smell that mimics a dead animal.
- The sharp quills are made of condensed hair.
- When a Joey is born, their quills are soft and bendable. as they age, their quills grow and become hard and sharp.

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Otteal
Scientific name(s):
Height: 4 feet
Length: 7 to 10 feet
Weight: 300 ibs
Habitat: beaches and tundras
Native region: worldwide
Evolved from: North American river otter
Lifespan: 35 years

- Portmanteau of otter and seal
- During the age of man, a common animal that you would encounter on beaches all over the world are seals and seal lions. Many of these animals are having a hard time during the anthropocene due to habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and over hunting. By the time the age of man was over, most ( but not all ) seals and sea lions will become extinct. Because of this, another group of mammals filled the void that the seals once occupied. The otter. Otters have changed drastically since the age of man. Some species have lost most of their body hair, their limbs have developed into flippers, and their tails are paddle shaped. 55 million years time, the American river otter evolved into the otteal.
- They're 4 different species of otteals. The trunked, the tusked, the jaguar ( which is a predator that hunts false toucans ) , and the common otteal.
- Most Otteals ( except for the jaguar otteal ) live in huge colonies in beaches. Many of which could have hundreds of individuals. The beach master fights other males for the right to mate. Fights can be brutal. Leaving brutal scars on the neck and face.
- Their diet consists of fish and squid. They can swim with grace and speed.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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Probe bill
Scientific name:
Height: 8 inches
Weight: 92 grams
Habitat: deciduous forests
Native region: North America
Evolved from: American robin
Lifespan: 10 years

- These birds get their name because they use their beaks to probe out worms and grubs from the ground. Their diet mainly consists of underground invetebrates. They have large feet and talons that they use to dig up their food.
- These birds can fly, but they spend most of their time on the ground. This could leave them vulnerable to attacks from dagger rats.
- Males have a bright orange red belly while females have a brown one. Females select individuals with the brightest underbelly. Individuals with vibrant plumage are most likely healthy individuals that have good genes.

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Ground chipmunk
Scientific name:
Height: 4 inches
Length: 9 inches
Weight: 4 ibs
Habitat: deciduous and coniferous forests
Native region: North America
Evolved from: eastern chipmunk
Lifespan: 5 years

- these rodents spend most of their times underground in burrows. The reason why they evolved a subterranean existence is so that they can avoid predators like nest muggers and dagger rats. Either they create a burrow of their own or they would share with another animal.
- They're primarily herbivorous. Feeding on seeds, nuts, and fruit. They store their food in cheek pouches and store them in their burrows for later consumption. They gather food during the summer and hibernate during the winter.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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Stilt goose
Scientific name(s)
Height: 6'3 feet
Weight: 200 ibs
Habitat: wetlands
Native region: North America
Evolved from: geese
Lifespan: 10 to 24 years

- just like the macroducks, stilt geese are semi aquatic birds that are evolved to be significantly large. The reason why they're so large is because being big is an edge against predators. Their legs and necks are extremely long. Most species can fly and they migrate every year as the seasons change.
- Stilt geese are typically monogamous. When a male finds a female that it wants to be with, it'll show off its impressive plumage and perform a mating dance with the female. If the female is convicted, she'll stay with him for life. Mating with no one else but him. Both parents will raise the chicks and teach them everything they need to know.
- When threatened, they'll produce a roar like hiss to scare of predators, and if that doesn't work, it'll bite and swing its powerful wings at the predator. The wings of a stilt goose is strong enough to break a person's arm.
- They're several different species of stilt goose. The common white, the trumpeter, and the northern stilt goose.

________________________________________________________

Bear trap turtle
Scientific name:
Height: 2 feet
Weight: 300 ibs
Habitat: wetlands
Native region: North America
Evolved from: alligator snapping turtle
Lifespan: 70 to 120 years

- bear trap turtles are massive predators that spend most of their time underwater in swamps and bogs. They possess a worm like lure in their mouths that they use to entice fish and crustaceans. Once a prey item gets close, they snap close and crush its victim with tremendous force.
- These turtles have spike like protuberances on top of its head that looks like aquatic plants. They ambush prey on the surface by blending in with its environment. They jump out of the water, clamp on the preys neck or leg and drag it down into the water and drowns its prey.
- Like most reptiles, bear trap turtles don't raise their children. The lay 30 eggs in a nest and then it leaves. The hatchlings fend for themselves until they're big enough. However most of them don't reach adulthood. Many of them fall victim to birds of prey, dagger rats, and other bear traps.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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Swamp devil
Scientific name:
Length: 24 feet
Weight: 450 ibs
Habitat: wetlands and rainforests
Native region: North America
Evolved from: Burmese python
Lifespan: 20 to 25 years

- slithering through the humid wetlands of southern North America are massive snakes known as swamp devils. These reptiles are descended from the Burmese python. An invasive species originally from Asia that was introduced into the Florida Everglades. They decimated ecosystems by competing with the American alligator for the position as top predator and by killing off several endemic wildlife. Fast forward to the Xenocene, and you have a 24 feet snake with a nasty demeanor.
- These snakes have a beautiful brown scale pattern that mimics the appearance of dead foliage. They wait patiently for any prey item to come close, and then strangle its prey with a powerful embrace. Placing its jaws around the preys neck. The swamp devil kills its prey by suffocating it. Once its prey is dead, it'll then swallow its prey whole. It takes several days for its prey to be entirely digested.
- Deer, water fowl, and dagger rats are its main prey. River cats and hydrosuchus could easily kill a swamp devil. A bearcoon could put up a fight against a swamp devil. In fact, bearcoons are known for raiding into a swamp devils nest and eat the eggs.

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River cat
Scientific name:
Height: 2'4 feet
Weight: 200 ibs
Habitat: deciduous forests and wetlands
Native region: North America
Evolved from: mink
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

- despite its name, river cats are actually mustelids.
- River cats are the top predator In eastern North America. They are capable of hunting animals bigger than itself including water fowl, deer, colossal beavers, and swamp devils. They're excellent swimmers and possess webbed paws and waterproof fur. They will even jump in the water to pursue its target. They're also extremely fast. Maneuvering through the forest with ease. They can run up to 33 mph. In terms of intelligence, they are extremely smart. They can outsmart most of their prey. Despite their relatively small stature, river cats are fearless and strong.
- River cats possess strong jaws with 3 inch canines. They also have non retractable claws that they use to knock down birds from mid flight. They're unable to climb trees due to their massive size.
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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If you're wondering why I haven't been in this forum for a why is because I'm continuing this project on DeviantArt. If you want to see more content follow the link below.
I'll no longer continue the project here.

http://xenocene.deviantart.com
The strongest of species never survive the longest nor the smartest. But the ones who're able to adapt~ Charles Darwin
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