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| LAND ANIMALS -
the survey team |
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Land animals on OSIRIS appear less evolved than those of
earth. Because of this, numerous birds fill the widest range of niches on the
planet.
The process of natural selection in the bird kingdom
seems to have occurred over successive generations and boasts high variety and
development. But this is not to say all animals on the planet are birds. At lower
elevations, large predatory birds fill the ecological niches of large predatory animals,
but smaller cold-blooded animals similar to reptiles and amphibians live on the ground and
supply food for the many birds. Since the planet's atmosphere is twice as dense as the
Earth's, animals which normally would not have developed the trait to fly, have, over
successive generations adapted themselves to flight. The Osiris zoology team
studied and documented many of the land animals on the planet, some of which are presented
below. |
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LACOONSHELSLUGS
LACOONSHELSLUGS were originally marine animals that inhabited the rocky inter-tidal zones on
Osiris. Over a period of time, the LACOONSHELSLUGS
found their way on land and learned to adapt to the rich soil of Osiris. These
animals consume tiny primitive plants such as the Litibulb and Lasage. They also eat
decomposed organisms. Since the LACOONSHELSLUGS
have no eyes, they depend on their feet and radula to search for food. Originally
this animal only had feet, but over time, their feet grew legs in order to climb over
rocks. The Zoology team believes that over time their number of eggs increased in order
for their survival. They can lay thousands of eggs at one time. |
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| Their shell also serves an important defensive
function. When confronted by danger, the Lacoonshelslug rolls itself into its
shell for protection and blends in with the soil. The survey team also discovered
that this unique animal plays an important role in contributing to the rich vegetation of
Osiris. As these animal consume plants, seeds would often be stuck into their
feet. The LACOONSHELSLUGS
would then spread these seeds to other parts of Osiris. |
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| This artist's rendering depicts the ZEPHYR at one of
its earliest stages of evolution. Fossil records give us a good indication of its
earliest size which was only 1/4th of what it is today, and its bone structure seems to
have been less dense than today's species. Perhaps this is why the current species
does not fly, but rather, uses its large wings to jump on its prey. |
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The early species of the ZEPHYR had a very small brain
and exhibited very little intelligence. However, through natural selection the ZEPHYR evolved
into a fierce and intelligent air creature capable of trapping and killing large prey.
Over time they also developed their legs and are capable of reaching speeds of up to 40
mph on the ground. Their wing span has been known to reach more than ten feet and some ZEPHYRs have been
known to weigh as much as 50 pounds. Zoologists have studied cross sections of the bones
in the wings and have discovered that they are hollow which allows for the quick movement
of the birds. Their diet mainly consists of large birds, reptiles and rodents that are
abundant since they are the only true predators in the tropical zone. |
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| The TUMASUCKER bird is
mainly found in the tropical areas of the Greater OSIRIS continent. Its main source
of nutrients is the sweet sap of the bark of the TUM TUM tree. The bright orange color of the
bird adds to the already existing beauty of this area. It
pierces the TUM TUM with its
strong beak that resembles a Phillips screwdriver. The results of its feeding not
only benefits the bird but also the tree as well. The sap oozes out creating a
strong bond that protects the trees from the strong winds known to exist in this region. |
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| The other interesting aspect of the bird is its long
fingernail like claws. It leverages itself on the TUM TUM tree by wrapping these sharp claws around
its bark. The claws can also be used as a weapon to defend itself from predator
birds such as the ZEPHYR.
Even during extreme weather conditions, the birds can be found clinging to the bark
of the tree as it bends back and forth to the strong winds. Looking at this you
can't tell whether the bird is hanging on for its dear life or whether it is amusing
itself as it eats. |
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| The Thoras is a small rodent, which lives among the
tundra in the northern part of Osiris. The animal is approximately 4 inches long and
weighs about 40 grams. It is covered with brown fur, which keeps it warm in the cold
north. It has short stubby ears, a small tail and a signature white stripe on its back.
The Thoras’ home is underground amongst a series of tunnels. The animal hibernates in
the winter and lives off the saxberry plants in the tundra. These animals have evolved
from the water. |
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| During the early stages the Thoras lived in the water,
but came on land to give birth. As time passed, the Thoras moved farther and farther up
the beach to have its litter. Eventually some of the young Thoras wandered inland and
slowly made it their home. This warm-blooded animal ate mostly vegetation and berries. As
the food supply became sparse, the animal began to migrate north. It finally ended up in
the northern region among the tundra. The female Thoras has a litter twice a year of about
five young. The babies feed off the mother’s milk. Later they turn to the vegetation
and saxberries. |
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