Species Template (Pronunciation)
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The species template is one of the big ones. There are prompts for any type of species. However, this also means that you should not feel compelled to fill in all of them. At least not right at the start. Make sure to use other templates when expanding on specific parts of the species.
The example used in this template is the real-world Rosa canina, but this is just one very specific use of this template!
The template has many prompt boxes which can be filled in. Use them for inspiration and to help format your article. Do not feel like you have to fill out all of them!
The terms in the braces below each heading tell you under which tab this prompt appears and what the title of the box is.
The terms in the braces below each heading tell you under which tab this prompt appears and what the title of the box is.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The anatomy and morphology of this species. Does it have a skeleton? Special organs? Outer shell? Does it have blood or something else entirely? Is it organic or synthetic?
It is a deciduous shrub normally ranging in height from 1–5 metres (3.3–16.4 ft), though sometimes it can scramble higher into the crowns of taller trees. Its stems are covered with small, sharp, hooked prickles, which aid it in climbing. The leaves are pinnate, with 5–7 leaflets. The flowers are usually pale pink, but can vary between a deep pink and white. They are 4–6 centimetres (1.6–2.4 in) in diameter with five petals, and mature into an oval, 1.5–2-centimetre (0.59–0.79 in), red-orange hip.
Biological Traits
The biological traits of a species define variations between life span, life expectancy, height/weight averages and other traits that manifest in a groups or subgroups of the species like gender or role.
Genetics and Reproduction
Explain how the species reproduces. How does the species ensure that it survives the world it lives in? How is a new member of the species created?
Growth Rate & Stages
How does a member of the species develop after birth? Are there stages or phases? Is there a particularly problematic stage? Or even dangerous? How do their societies deal with this?
Ecology and Habitats
What kind of habitat does this species live in? What is its preferred habitat? Can the species survive in a wide range of habitats or is it extremely specialized?
Dietary Needs and Habits
Biological Cycle
How does the biology of the species get affected by the passing of time and seasonal changes. Does it go into hibernation? Does it grow antlers or other temporary appendages?
Additional Information
Social Structure
What is the most basic social structure of this species? Use this to describe social structures like herds, packs and flocks. More complex social structures should get organization articles!
Domestication
Was this species domesticated by another species? How did this domestication take place? At what stage in the process is the species? Why was this species domesticated? Who domesticated this species?
Uses, Products & Exploitation
In what way is the body and products it produces used by other species? This can be a plant which is used in industrial farming as a food crop or genetically enhanced soldiers to fight the wars of their creators.
The flesh (shells) of rose hips from dog roses contain high levels of antioxidants, mainly polyphenols and ascorbic acid, as well as carotenoids and vitamins B and E. Rose hips contain a high amount of carotenoids and ascorbic acid along with natural sugars, organic acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenolics, and essential oil, making them excellent for consumption. Rose hip essential oil is composed mainly of alcohols, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes.
Facial characteristics
Describe the facial features of this species! How do they express emotions? What parts does their face have?
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Where in your world can this species be found? Use the mention system to link the important locations.
Rosa canina, commonly known as the dog rose, is a variable climbing, wild rose species native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia.
Average Intelligence
What is the average intelligence of this species? Can they use complex tactics to hunt or do they follow very simplistic patterns and instincts?
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
What kind of perception and sensory capabilites does this species have? Do they have any special capabilites to deal with the environment they live in? Why does it have the capabilities it does have?
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
Use this prompt to describe symbiotic and/or parastic relationships they have with other species. Even describe this other species here or link their article if there is more to write about them than a paragraph.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
How do members of this species name themselves & eachother? Alternatively summarize the naming traditions of the various ethnicities or mention a tradition article if you have a lot to say about this.
Major Organizations
Which factions or organizations do members of this species belong to? Do they have a common religious cult or organization? A primary country where most of them live?
Beauty Ideals
What is considered as beautiful? What kind of features are desirable?
Gender Ideals
What are the genders of this species and what ideal roles do they take in their societies? How does this differ from reality?
Courtship Ideals
How are members of this species supposed to court prospective mates? How does this play out in reality? Is there a specific gender that takes charge?
Relationship Ideals
What are relationships like for this species? What does an ideal relationship look like?
Average Technological Level
What kind of techology does this species have? How did they discover or take possession of it?
Major Language Groups and Dialects
The languages and dialects used by this species. This could be done with a list or as chart if there are many languages.
Common Etiquette Rules
What are common etiquette customs that members of this species follow? Unless your species is monolithic, this will most likely differ from ethnic group to ethnic group.
Common Dress Code
A general dress code observed by many members of this species.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Discribe or link the various cultures lived or created by this species. Does this species have a cultural aspect they are widely known for? What is something important in their cultural heritage that is important or that most members of this species value?
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
The common customs and observed traditions of this species. Add rituals surrounding eating, their way of life, coming of age, death, birth, greetings, politics, religious practices and many more aspects of life.
Common Taboos
Does this species have any taboos? Something they would never do? Anything that is never mentioned? Expand on what the consequences are of breaking these taboos.
History
Use this to give a short summary of the species' history. Use timelines & historical events to expand on it as necessary.
Historical Figures
The most important historical figures of this species. Why are they imortant? What have they accomplished?
Common Myths and Legends
Myths and legends related to this species. Describe potential origin myths, legendary figures, battles, wars, organizations and more.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
What are stereotypes of this species held by others? What kind stereotypes of other species does this species hold?
EXTINCT
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Genetic Descendants
Scientific Name
Rosa canina
Origin/Ancestry
Phenotypical variants of the species.
Lifespan
60 years
Conservation Status
Is the species under protection? What measures are taken for its survival? How close to extinction is the species? Who fights to prevent the species' extinction?
Average Height
The average height of a member of this species
Average Weight
The average weight of a member of this species.
Average Length
The average length of a member of this species.
Average Physique
What is this species' physique on average? How are they built? Are they bulky or scrawny?
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
What does the fur, scales, chitin or skin of this species look like? Does it have some common colors?
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
Related Myths
Discovered by
Related Materials
Related Prompts
The prompts listed below are part of the Worldbuilding Prompts that can be found under the Community menu. These prompts use the template discussed in this article. Using these prompts is a great way to expand your worldbuilding!Mentioned Templates
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