Horned DragonIsla's land animals are as diverse as the terrain in which they are found. Insects, rodents, mammals and birds are found throughout Isla's tropical landscape. Isla's animals are grouped into three main phylum according to how they get their nutritional needs met. The three main groups are the herbivores, carnivores and decomposers. These three groups are further divided according to how their offspring are born and cared for. Some organisms carry their young inside the female of the species until it is developed enough to be born into the world. Others lay eggs which contain the developing young. When the young are developed enough to live outside their shell they crack the egg open and are then cared for by the female of the species. Still others carry their young in a pouch where they develop and are cared for. It would take volumes to discuss all the different land animals on Isla. This page will only deal with a few examples of the incredible land animals to be found on this planet.
Horned DragonThe most primitive of Isla's land animals are a group of animals which are believed to have evolved from sea creatures. They resemble many of Isla's sea creatures in that they have scaly skin and lay eggs. They are different in that they live on dry land and breathe air. This particular organism, a reptile, grows to a length of approximately 3 to 4 meters. All of Isla's reptiles are cold blooded heterotrophs. Some are carnivorous, others are herbivores. The carnivores eat the equivalent of 25% their body weight each month. This is usually eaten all at one time. After a meal, these carnivores usually find a quiet place to relax for a week or two in peace to digest the massive meal they just consumed. Since there is less energy available from plants , herbivores must eat constantly. Herbivore reptiles eat approximately 5% their body weight each day.
CowakiiThis magnificent looking creature is just one of Isla's many flightless birds. Isla's birds are believed to have evolved from reptiles. Some of these birds, mostly the larger ones are not able to fly. The Cowakii gets larger than all other birds, averaging 800 to 900 pounds. The Cowakii is an herbivore, and since it is so large, it must graze constantly. The Cowakii lays only one egg each year. The egg has an extremely hard shell. The hen lays her egg in the sand so the sun can keep it warm, this frees up the mother so she can graze for food. Her grazing area covers several square miles.
Hair TriggerThis tiny bird is at the opposite end of bird evolution from the Cowakii. The tiny Hair Trigger has an extremely fast metabolism and hardly ever touches solid ground. The Hair Trigger has no ability to store up fat so it must eat constantly. If the Hair Trigger (named for it's short temper) goes for more than 6 hours without eating it will starve to death. The Hair Trigger's heart rate is 800 beats per minute. At this rate the tiny Hair Trigger literally burns its self out in 14 short months.
Click below for details on other land animals.
This page authored by: Jack Ellis