Bomite
Basic Information
Anatomy
The bomite is clearly related to bobird from which it evolved, however it has undergone significant modifications. Perhaps the most significant modification is a double hinged set of mandibles. The jaw is supported on the proximal portion by a cartilage rod, but the distal portion is covered in calcified shell, similar in composition to a mollusk shell. The double hinge on each mandible makes it so that they can be moved laterally, but also back and forth in a sawing motion. Another noticeable change from bobird is that the cephalization seen only slightly in the primitive bobird has advanced considerably in bomites, who now have a flexible "neck" region. Also the head and the abdomen have separate calcified shells, and the distal paired projections on each limb are now also covered in a calcified sheath. The dorsal shells are used for defense against predators, and when threatened a bomite will burrow into the substrate leaving only it's shells exposed. The last major change in bomites is that the posterior gill front has been internalized and now respiration is achieved by rings of muscle around an interior unpaired lung with several air sacks branching laterally from it with their own sphincters to increase the velocity of water exchange.
Genetics and Reproduction
Bomites are sequential hermaphrodites, although the majority of them will never actually shift to the second stage of their reproductive life. Bomites live in collonies of up to a dozen individuals, all but one of whom are male. The oldest and largest bomite is the only female. When she dies the remaining males will wrestle for dominance, with the winner becoming a female. Eggs are laid twice a year, in spring and autumn.
Growth Rate & Stages
Bomites hatch as tiny versions of adults with no shells. They grow mostly isometrically with their shell developing in layers as they go. By a year old they are nearing adult size and will settle with a colony of conspecifics. Before this they are itinerant, wandering about, eating what they can, and most of them themselves being eaten.
Ecology and Habitats
Bomites are found in temperate shallows around Natash. They are intolerant of very high or low temperatures.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Bomites are generalists and will feed on just about anything their saw like mandibles can cut into, including rockfruit, retinalphytes, carrion, etc. They rarely kill living prey, preferring to saw off a chuck and make their escape before any resistance becomes too extreme. They can move their mandibles quite quickly so they are generally successful in getting at least a small chuck of food before their food source even realizes something is amiss.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Bomites live in colonies of up to a dozen individuals. They will feed in loose groups, and dominance is established by way of non lethal wrestling matches. The dominant individual in the group is always female. Other than the ability to release alarm pheromones and safety in numbers, the groups do not have particularly close social interaction, as they are too unintelligent for complex social interaction.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Temporate regions around Natash.
Average Intelligence
Bomites aren't the stupidest creatures on Almaishah, but they aren't going to win a Nobel prize any time soon.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
With the reconfiguration of the anterior anatomy, the antennae have taken over most chemoreceptive rolls, although the mouth also has limited chemoreception. The antennae are still the primary tactile organs. The eyes are better at resolving images than in bobird, but still not amazing. While bomites are essentially deaf, they can pick up vibrations through their limbs.
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