r/ImaginaryAliens

One of many species of colonial flora-like organisms native to the wild-lands, this species possesses a striking pattern.
The individual “fans” possess rudimentary eye-like organs that detect changes in light in addition to a pair of sensory antennae. The individual fans are tapped into a central connective tissue of sorts and share nutrients throughout the colony.
The colony’s structure is a mineral secretion with crystalline bandings deposited in folding layers over a material not dissimilar to calcium carbonate.
Banded duster bushes are heterotrophs and collect a variety of small flying and floating organisms to feed on. They are in turn eaten by a variety of species adapted to pull the individual fans from their tubes.
Very common in a variety of forested habitats.

Telam Balaena

Latin for Whale, referring to the thick cell membrane of fat, protecting the cell from it’s acidic environment.

0.3-1.7 µm Cell Diameter
0.6-2.6 µm Arm to Arm

Arose 797 million years P.C.

Taking the simplest approach to dealing with low oceanic pH, Balaena thickens and toughens it’s membrane with lipids for protection. As a result, Balaena forsakes intake of nutrients through it’s membrane and relies solely on it’s membrane threads.

This change also makes cell division more difficult, making the organism prioritize energy storage upon division paramount. This is done to allow the offspring to have the energy it needs to develope it’s Quills and web nets.

Spreads throughout Demeter’s oceans, silent hunters ready to devour whatever makes the mistake of making contact. This will drive other organisms to develop to:

-avoid making contact

-avoid setting off Balaena if contact is made

-somehow counterattack upon touching

initial diversification post

last post

Ancestral Organism

Lateen Vitram

Latin for Glass, in reference to the silica spikes encircling it's outer membrane.

0.7-1.5 µm Cell Diameter
0.9-3.3 µm Full Diameter

Arose 797 million years P.C.

Biomineralized Silica forms glass spikes and rings surrounding cellular body to double as both antioxidant systems and structural support.

Carotenoid production increases to assist in antioxidant system and pigment protection from high UV exposure. Adds Violerythrin to the list of pigments manufactured within the cellular body.

Membrane sails become flowing and flexible to increase aerial motility.

initial diversification post

last post

Ancestral Organism