The Estuary Ecology
The estuaries are a unique water environment on Kronos. They provide nutrient-rich food to animals and serve as a place where animals can lay their eggs. The estuaries also filter out debris heading out into the ocean,
An abundance of nutrient-rich food is found in this biome. The Gardena and Zuleus have a lot of nutrients. It is for this reason primarily that many female animals come and lay their eggs here. When their offspring hatch, the young animals have the chance to take advantage of the food surplus that abounds in this environment. The estuary also filters out any debris that might go into the ocean, such as soil, branches, and leaves.
Primary Producers
The Gardena is a water plant
that has adapted to the fluctuating conditions on the estuary. It can grow
at depths of up to 13-15 feet. T
he
average Gardena is about 7 feet high. The farther down the Gardena is, the
darker the stalk is at the bottom. This allows the dark-colored stalk to
receive more nutrients, since it is at a depth where the sun does not hit it so
much. A full blown Gardena usually takes about 3-4 years to mature.
When it does, a soft patch of water grass develops on top. This water
grass contains a waxy film, which helps keep fresh water within and salt water out
of the river and trap any debris. Gardenas
have many special characteristics. One
of them is that they act as filters. When a Gardena dies, it decomposes and rich
nutrients are released and absorbed by other Gardenas that grow and thrive in this environment.
The
Zuleus (short for Zuleus angiospermus terribulus), is another plant found in
this type of aquatic environment. Zuleus is a descendant of the Zule
cell. It has evolved as a plant that gives off fruit, emitting a red and
yellow color. The population of this plant is the largest on the
planet both in and out of water. In water these plants reached twenty five feet
in length and on land the plant reaches up to 13 feet. It was given the terribilus name because it secretes
a liquid that kills any plants in its near vicinty. This plant does not like competition.
Primary Consumers
The
Jelly Fish (Jelcaris Gracile) is an animal that is found in the estuary waters.
A descendant of the Terribilis tanlesia, these plant eaters have gradually moved
from the Open Ocean and adapted to the estuary conditions. They receive
their nutrients as tiny pieces of Gardenas and Zuleus start decomposing and
dissolving in the water. Small pieces of the plant are then absorbed by
this type of aquatic animal. This species has survived because of its
stinging ability. As a result, their presence is strong and they sexually
reproduce with their own kind. They grow to lengths of 1 foot from their
jelled dome to the tip of their feelingers.
Secondary Consumers
This
aquatic animal spans a length of 2 feet by a width of 1 foot. The majority
of these animals have colorful, vertical red-orange stripes on their bodies. This
physical characteristic makes them one of the most splendid sights to see in the
estuaries. Artana animals need a lot of sunlight in order to get some of their
energy, so they spend most of their lifetime at a water depth of only 2 feet.
One of the unique abilities of these animals is that they are able to reproduce
at a fast rate. A healthy, female Artana can have about 400 offspring during
her lifetime. The female Artana lays her eggs in the estuaries, providing the
young Artana an abundance of nutrient-rich foods when they hatch.
Page Created by Roberto Manuel