Sauropodlian

Very closely resembling Earth sauropods, these massive herbivores tower over the ground, looking for food constantly. They have shown to be rather peaceful until you make them mad. Don't worry too much, this is incredibly difficult. Don't try to harm them and they don't seem to mind.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Their four, pillar-like legs keep their massive bulk above the ground. If it were not for our planet's thicker atmosphere, they would certainly topple over. They are rather muscular, but it is covered by a large layer of fat, a defense against the few predators they have. They have ridges, also known as fans, on their necks and tails, larger in males. Three toes on the front feet and two on the back, they have massive footprints, usually spanning 6 feet in diameter.

Biological Traits

Their sheer size and weight are their biggest features, while there are others. They almost identically resemble a sauropod from Earth's Mesozoic Era.

Genetics and Reproduction

The males slam into each other to fight for females, the first one on the ground looses. These massive battles take days, as they are so sturdy and strong. After the winner emerges, they mate, usually in the water to help lift their bulk. They then go on their separate ways, and a roughly 6 months later, the female gives birth to two large calves, each one a few tons already.

Growth Rate & Stages

They start small, comparatively, but grow rather slowly. They stay with their mother for a few years or until she gets lazy, which is more common than one would think. She then drives them off and they look for their own mates from then on.

Ecology and Habitats

They seem to like the edges of tall forests or cliffs, as they can easily get food without moving. They also migrate every 7 years to mate. A few dozen of these titans gather together, causing havoc for smaller animals in the region. The plants where this animal live grow significantly quicker than plants of the same species in a different location, due to this creature's ability to completely strip all plant matter in a day or two.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They eat massive amounts of leaves, fruits and grasses to support their sheer bulk. These are a farmer's plague, as a single one can eat nearly a whole field with ease.

Biological Cycle

Every two years, they shed their skin, and it all comes off in one, relatively complete piece. When they do this, they are scared of just about anything that moves. The process takes about a week and is fun for no one.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Largely solitary, though they do sometimes form small herds during stormy weather.

Domestication

No one has been able to, as their feeding requirements are simply to big.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Nearly unable to be hunted, they remain wild and free until age or a storm takes them. After such, the nearby towns and Holds have a feast for weeks at a time.

Facial characteristics

Fleshy, with large, cattle-like lips. Four small eyes are located on the side of their heads.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

They are few and far between, though they are found on all continents, they are always near a large forest or megrass field.

Average Intelligence

Quite intelligent, surprisingly. We think it is for the purpose of remembering landmarks and individuals of their species.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

When young, they have a great sense of sight, smell and hearing. But as they get older, they loose their vision almost completely. But, to compensate, they develop a form of echolocation that comes from their neck, giving them a very wide range of 'sight'.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Many Pteroforms provide pest control and eat bugs that flee from these giant's feet as they walk.

Scientific Name

Sauropodlianus titanus

Origin/Ancestry

Their true origin is unknown, as fossils of the species are found on every continent

Lifespan

Their average lifespan is unknown, but some individuals have reached over 300 years old!

Conservation Status

They are not altogether too common, but this seems to be an ecological cap more than a problem for conservation.

Average Height

Their average height seems to even out at around 100-130 feet tall.

Average Weight

Unknown, as we can't actually weigh them. Estimates usually are in the 100-250 ton range.

Average Length

About 80 feet long on average.

Average Physique

Large, but their legs are much smaller around than one would think.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The females are much duller than the males, usually greys or browns. The males have brighter colors, such as greens, reds and purples.