Radio Dome

Radio domes are a form of radio predator from ancient Almaisha's ocean depths. They are mostly sessile but communicate together in colonies to direct the growth of the whole patch for the benefit of the whole mostly clonal group. They will also catch the occasional feather bush that may swim by with their silicate barbs. Radar domes defend themselves from radar raptors. They have the same tools, but can better detect the position of the raptor. When the raptor attacks the radar domes, the radar domes will attack back. Frequently they will win betavoltaic cells and accompanying genetic material. [Creature design by Dr. Bob Smith]

Basic Information

Anatomy

Radio domes have a minimum of three betavoltaic cells. Older ones may have dozens. They vary in size from 10 cm to several meters in diameter. They resemble large fractal trees that may or may not be attached to the sea bottom. Radio predators evolved two new types of specialized stems. The first type is a tool. For example, some are thin and coated with coarse silicate. These work as saws. Others are stout and terminates in hard alloy tip. These stems cut apart fractal trees. The second doesn't grow betavoltaic cells but will allow ones to be grafted on. They also have a root lined pouch that is an analogous structure to a stomach. This surrounds the stalk leading to the dome.

Genetics and Reproduction

The radio dome life cycle starts when they break off from their parent and swim away. They will have two or more betavoltaic cell "leaves" attached to four stems. When they consume other radiotrophic life forms, they may incorporate genetic material from their prey, allowing them to maintain genetic diversity despite their asexual mode of reproduction.

Growth Rate & Stages

The larval stage of a tree is a pair of leaves searching for a new source of radiation. The detached leaves use their electric charge to whip their stem. This powers them through the water. The time to reach maturity depends on the resources where the larva settles. It can take anything from a few months to centuries.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Radio domes have 3 significant organs associated with their sensory perception.
 Radiation detectors. These are natural scintillators. They are composed of a phosphor laden potassium iodide screen and silicon photoreceptors. The detectors are housed within a gas-filled bladder and connect to the creature by a long stem. These give the creatures their common names.
 Network connection. The roots of individual radar dome plants connect to each. This allows messages to be broadcast to the forest. They are analogous to neurons in a simple brain.
 Gateways. These pass signals sent on network connections to other network connections. They also target stems within the body of the plant. They are analogous to synapses in a brain.

EXTINCT

Genetic Ancestor(s)