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An Overview of the Fauna of the Great Desert

Reid, Alvarez, Hissin. 2305. Unversity of Texas at New Austin, 82 Eridani IV.

Authors' Note

Unless otherwise noted, terms such as "species", "mammals", and "vertebrates" are used in place of "genotype", "mammal-analogs", and "vertebrate-analogs". Use of these terms is for the convenience of the reader and does not denote relationship to the terrestrial Vertebrata and Mammalia. Other than humans and associated domestic terrestrial organisms transported to the two colony sites on Kormoran, the organisms of 82 Eridani IV have no relationship to organisms from Earth.

Taxonomy

With regard to taxonomy of extraterrestrial lifeforms, the International Society of Zoological Nomenclature has adopted the policy that 1) No phylum, class, order, family or genus name can be duplicated; and 2) All binomial names must note parenthetically the planet on which the organism evolved. Use of the Kingdom-level of classification is of questionable utility with regard to both terrestrial and extraterrestrial organisms, and is largely ignored.

With regard to terrestrial organisms genetically modified for life on other planets, the International Society of Zoological Nomenclature has adopted the policy that "+" indicates artificial genetic augmentation; parenthetical names (X/Y) indicate both the original biosphere and that in which the strain developed. Hence, horses genetically modified for life on 82 Eridani IV are identified as "Equus caballus + (Sol III/82 Eridani IV)."

Reconciliation of nomenclature and classifications utilized by different intelligent species is unresolvable at this time. The Ebers of 82 Eridani IV do not appear to possess a sophisticated understanding of biological science at this time, and no taxonomy beyond common names for flora and fauna is known. Likewise, nomenclature and classification of radically different biologies (ex. the Phreds of DM + 34 2342/Kimanjano and the modular organisms of Zeta Tucanae/Syuhlahm) are unlikely to be resolved in the foreseeable future.

Basic Terminology

Advanced - most changed from the ancestral condition (ex. a tapeworm is an advanced animal, having changed to such a large degree that most organ systems have been lost).

Analog/analogous - similar in form, but of independent origin; the result of convergent evolution.

Common Name - the non-scientific name of an organism (ex. On Sol III, Nerodia harterii is known by the common name of "Brazos water snake" and Cynomys ludovicianus is known as "prairie dog." In the case of Cynomys sp., the prairie dog is not a dog - rather it is a member of the Sciuridae (squirrels), demonstrating that common names can be misleading).

Convergent Evolution - independent evolution of similar organs and forms (ex. limbs, eyes, wings, aquatic streamlining, etc.) as biological "solutions" to similar environmental challenges. Terrestrial examples include winged flight (birds, bats, pterosaurs) and focusing eyes (vertebrata, cephalopoda). Extraterrestrial examples include swimming forms (Earth dolphins and 82 Eridani IV sea dragons) and trunks (Earth elephants and E-horses). Convergent evolution demonstrates that evolution is guided by environment as much as by genetic heritage.

Genotype - the genetic information of a specific population.

Phenotype - the physical expression of genes (ex. Earth dogs have one genotype, but several phenotypes known as "breeds").

Primitive - least changed from the ancestral condition (ex. a human is a primitive mammal, having five nonspecialized digits at the end of each limb, collar bones, and nonspecialized teeth).

Species - a population that does not interbreed with related populations under normal environmental conditions (ex. eastern packrats and south plains packrats of Sol III can mate and produce fertile offspring, but do not normally do so in the wild). This classification is somewhat problematic (ex. wolves and dogs of Sol III are behaviorially distinct, but can and do interbreed in the wild) and remains a point of contention among organismal biologists.

Taxonomy - the process of classifying and naming organisms. Current taxonomy is based on the work of Carl von Linné, a scientist and naturalist of 18th Century Sol III.

Biodiversity of 82 Eridani IV

Biodiversity is somewhat limited in higher vertebrates. This may be a direct result of the war fought between Eber cultures on 82 Eridani IV (Kormoran), Beta Hydri II (Daikoku), and Rho Eridani II (Heidelsheimat) several thousand years ago. The apparent use of thermonuclear weapons at several sites on Kormoran, and the associated release of radioactive fallout, has allowed an increase in the natural mutation rate. The result of this is an ecosystem in a state of flux, with unoccupied niches and a rapid diverfication of organisms that have the potential to fill them. An alternate theory is that introduction of "Eber-oid" organisms destabilized the native ecosystem of 82 Eridani IV and resulted in a wave of extinctions between 7000 + 4000 years ago.

As noted in previous studies, all known terrestrial vertebrates are homothermic (warm-blooded) as are many marine and aquatic vertebrates. This indicates that homothermy likely originated in the sea before the spread of vertebrates to land.

There were two main divisions of vertebrate analogs on Kormoran at the time of its discovery:

1. Hexapods with well-developed cephalization (hulks, grunt bugglies, curtain dragons, etc.). Fossil evidence suggests these organisms evolved from decapods (ten-limbed organisms), with the first and second pairs of limbs evolving over time into jaws and hearing organs.

2. Quadrupeds with rudimentary cephalization (Ebers, E-dogs, E-horses, etc.). This catagory of vertebrate is not known from the fossil record. Of the two divisions of terrestrial vertebrates, Ebers, E-dogs, E-horses and a few related species make up only a fraction of total vertebrate species on Kormoran.

At least three studies conducted by New Austin and Yasser exobiologists have demonstrated that these two divisions are quite different both biochemically and genetically. This has led to speculation that either: 1) evolution of homothermic vertebrates on Kormoran occurred at least twice from completely unrelated species; or 2) one of the two divisions of vertebrates on Kormoran was introduced to the planet.

The lack of "Eber-oid" remains in the fossil record of 82 Eridani IV, and Eber ruins on Daikoku and Heidelsheimat give strong support to the theory that "Eber-oids" did not evolve on Kormoran. Both divisions of fauna utilize nucleic acid analogs for transmission of genetic information, but cellular structures including chromosomal- equivalents is radically different. For example, "Eber-oid" lifeforms utilize cellular structures similar to mitochondria for energy production and have oval chromosome-analogs, while the hexapodal fauna energy production appears to be integral to each cell and is not carried out in separate mitochondrial bodies. Chromosomal-analogs for the hexapods of Kormoran have a chracteristic "star" shape. This evidence supports the theory that Ebers and related lifeforms are not indiginous to 82 Eridani IV. The ultimate origin of the Ebers is currently unknown, as linguistic and cultural differences make communication of such concepts difficult to convey. This topic will be covered in a forthcoming paper from the UTNA Department of Xenoarchaeology.

Establishment of human colonies on 82 Eridani IV by the UAR and Texas introduced a third ecosystem to Kormoran. The impact of a terrestrial ecology on the already destabilized ecology of 82 Eridani IV is the subject of intense research and monitoring. Recent arrival and settlement of at least two groups of Sung and several individual Xiang by the Chinese Colonial Administration and the Communion of Sentients Church can be expected to further complicate the ecology of 82 Eridani IV, especially the introduction and cultivation of Xiang dirtmothers. The long term effects of comingling five independently-evolved ecosystems cannot be anticipated and warrents further study.

Illegally Imported Terran Organisms

At various times in the history of human settlement on Kormoran, incidents of the illegal import and/or release of terrestrial animals has occurred. Of particular note, nine-banded armadillos, kit foxes and kangaroo rats smuggled onto Kormoran as zygotes or genetic sequences have managed to survive and breed in number after adult specimens were released into the wild. Uncontrolled and unmonitored reproduction of these species could have disastrous long-term impact on the native ecosystem of 82 Eridani IV.

Classification Scheme of Fauna of 82 Eridani IV at the time of Terran Settlement

Phylum Bichordata (bifurcate lower spine)

Phylum Acephalata

Phylum Chordata

Phylum Annelida (earthworms)

Phylum Arthropoda* (insects - cockroaches, gnats, houseflies)

* inadvertantly introduced to Kormoran and native ecosystem

**illegally introduced to Kormoran and released into the native ecosystem

Common or Noteworthy Fauna of 82 Eridani IV

Hulk/Armatoste

Pingarctos therates (82 Eridani IV) - The hulk and the closely related desert hulk (P. gracilis) represent primative forms of Kormoran mammals. Utilizing all six limbs for locomotion limits the speed of the hulk and related species. Hulks can utilize their first pair of limbs as tools for combat and grasping prey, but they must revert to a hexapodal gate in order to move at top efficiency. Locomotion in hulks is a trot with three limbs in contact with the ground at any given time. Hulk movement is a loping, spraddled trot described as "camel-like" or "insect-like". To compensate for a relative lack of forward speed, hulk limbs are short and thick to allow for rapid acceleration to top speed in a matter of seconds.

'Diller/Armadito

Duradermifer fossor (82 Eridani IV) - the name 'diller is derived from the verncular for armadillo, an armored edentate mammal common to Texas and Mexico on Sol III. The 'diller digs elaborate descending corkscrew burrows to collect rainwater and dew and to access the local water table. Excess water is stored in an organ called an aquifer. A 'diller with a saturated aquifer can survive without free water for several weeks. The armored dermis of the 'diller is believed to have evolved to limit moisture loss through the skin rather than as a defense against predators. Specialized glands, abundant both on the 'diller's skin and its shell, produce a waterproofing oil as an additional means of preventing water loss. Buildup of this oil on the 'diller, however, can cause matting of the fur and subsequent loss of water. As a result, 'dillers must periodically "bathe" in sand to remove excessive oil. So-called "'diller wallers", dust-filled depressions (wallows) used for sand bathing, are a common site in the Great Desert, and present a hazard to a careless hiker or horse that can sometimes result in a sprained or broken ankle. 'Dillers are omnivorous, eating a variety of tubers, roots, vegetation and small animals. As such, they are a common agricultural pest in the area around New Austin.

The Tall Fox, Tapper and Sand Hopper are representative of small to medium mammals found in the Great Desert.

Sand Hoppers/Salititos de medanos

(Family: Velocidae) Sand Hoppers of various sizes exist, and occupy niches similar to those occupied by lagomorphs and cervids on Earth. The typical phenomorph consists of the first pair of limbs reduced in size and used in food gathering and grooming, the second pair of limbs utilized for balance and locomotion, and the third pair of limbs utilized as the primary energizers for locomotion. Related species found in the coastal areas of Kormoran are similar in form.

Tappers/Carpinteros

(Family: Pipridae) Tappers are Kormoran-analogs of terrestrial organisms such as kiwis, woodpeckers and aardvarks. Small and relatively slow-moving, tappers have evolved highly modified "beaks" to allow them to feed on smaller burrowing animals (insect- and annelid-analogs). Each genotype of tapper fills a distinct niche and has an equally distinct "beak" depending on its prey. The "beak" can be rigid and used to bore holes in trees while another can be relatively flexible and used to probe nooks and crannies in rocks. At least one species has a "beak" that can be extended and retracted suddenly for use as a harpoon to spear prey.

Tall Fox/Zorro alto

Altivulpes velox (82 Eridani IV) - see Ranger Sourcebook. The Tall Fox fills roughly the same ecological niche as the terrestrial jackal. A related species, the

Centaur/Centauro

Centauroides spp. (82 Eridani IV)- see Ranger Sourcebook.

Cotta Bird/Capote

- see Ranger Sourcebook.

Cormorant/Cormorán

- see Ranger Sourcbook.

Sea Dragon/Dragón del Mar

Dracon marinus (82 Eridani IV) - see Ranger Sourcebook.

Curtain Dragon/Dragón de cortina

Pseudocetus velumifer (82 Eridani IV) - see Ranger Sourcebook.

Gruntbugglies/Gruñidos

- see Ranger Sourcebook.

Land-dwelling, aquatic, and marine forms.

Marine life is varied and abundant off the southern coast of Kormoran.

Eber/Ebero

Tibicen sapiens (82 Eridani IV) - see Ranger Sourcebook.

E-dog/Perro de Ebero

Cantator pseudocanis (82 Eridani IV) E-dogs (derived from "Eber-dogs") have been demonstrated to be chemically and genetically related to the Ebers and E-horses of Kormoran. As with all organisms of this biological lineage, the structure of the cranium is rudimentary and not clearly differentiated from the "pectoral" girdle. As with Ebers and E-horses, E-dogs possess quadruple jaws in the upper torso, and forelimbs noticably longer than hindlimbs. Because of this, E-dogs have a hunting style that is found in no other terrestrial carnivore on Kormoran - the ossified cranial plate is utilized as a battering ram. E-dogs typically rush their prey from short range, relying on the cranial plate, mass and speed to knock their prey from its feet. Once the prey organism is pummeled to the ground, E-dogs utilize their well-developed clawsto induce lethal wounds. The eye stalks are extended until just prior to impact with their prey at which point they are retracted under the protection of the cranial plate rim. E-dogs have no structure analagous to a neck, so domestic E-dogs are leashed using a harness or a ring set into the edge of the cranial plate. The proboscis of E-dogs are reduced compared to Ebers and E-horses, but the E-dogs still possess a wide range of vocalizations. Using chambers on the underside of the cranial plate as resonation chambers, E-dogs are able to produce calls that carry for miles across the open desert. These sounds usually described as sounding like notes produced by a bassoon, a didjereedoo, and/or a bagpipe.

Civilized Ebers have bred several distinct strains of E-dogs that are utilized for various purposes, including hunting, warfare, decoration and food. Nomadic Ebers of the Great Desert do not breed E-dogs for specific traits - E-dogs domesticated by Nomadic Ebers are indistinguishable from ferral E-dogs. This indicates that the wild-type (unmodified) phenotype is similar to E-dogs possessed by Nomadic Ebers.

E-Horse/Caballos de Eberos

Bucinator pseudoequus (82 Eridani IV) - see Ranger Sourcebook.

The illustration above is based on eyewitness testimony. Known as a griffin, this unconfirmed lifeform is noted as being hexapodal and may in fact be an unknown form of Kormoran avian similar to the cotta bird. Many features of this organism, however, do not conform to typical Kormoran morphologies, notably the structures of the cranium (prominent nares, orientation of the jaw, teeth, muzzle, eye structure, etc.). The New Austin exobiology staff dismiss reports of this organism as being hoaxes, misidentified Kormoran avians, or hallucinations induced by the extreme climate of the Great Desert.

Lesser-known organisms:

Acephalata

Hexapodata