Dyocete
Dyocetes are pelagic filter feeders inhabiting the frigid northern waters near Arctica. Pictured here two Dyocetes are feeding near an iceberg that has broken away from the northern ice cap and started drifting southward. [Creature design by Michiel Gilissen
Basic Information
Anatomy
The first tagma of the dyocete is relatively basal, with the feeding appendages and mouth in the about the exact same position as in the basalmost paleotagmatans. The first and third pair of limbs have evolved into powerful flippers. The third and fourth pair have evolved into powerful "tail flukes" which it uses to move gently through the water. Each feeding appendages has stiff bristles emerging from the ventral side which are used in filter feeding.
Genetics and Reproduction
Dyocetes have two sexes. Males and females meet and exchange gametes after clasping together ventral side to ventral side. After fertilization the female will exude an ootheca which she will adhere to the ventral side of her second tagma. After aproximately 12 local days the eggs will hatch and the young will swim away. Each ootheca contains a dozen to a score eggs, and the young are relatively well developed when they hatch.
Ecology and Habitats
While there is no lack of filter feeders in the oceans of Almaishah, dyocetes avoid competition by being one of the few organisms well adapted to the frigid polar areas near Arctica, although they avoid shallow water.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Open waters around Arctica, but not under the ice sheet.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The Dyocete possess two pairs of eyes. The larger ones have evolved to have a very small resolution diameter, but they focus straight ahead, and their peripheral vision is quite bad, these eyes make it easier to detect small food items while the second pair are on flexible stilts which are used to keep an eye on predators while it's feeding. The feeding appendages are also still chemoreceptive which helps in finding food and avoiding predators
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