Homo Saurus

Introduction and human relationship with the species

One of the species of Palatinus that is causing the most interest, especially in the Roman scientific community is that which has been called Homo Saurus. It is a creature that, at least apparently, has reached the evolutionary level that was reached by the australopithecus millennia ago on earth. These beings are widespread on the continent of Padus and the neighboring islands, which has caused many debates both within the scientific community and in public opinion. In fact there are very different opinions on how to behave with them: because there are those who claim to treat them simply as animals and those who would want to subject them to massive genetic interventions so as to make them intelligent and docile enough to create a race of perfect slaves. These are at least the prevailing views between civil society. With anthropologists and xenobiologists the debate is different: in fact here the debate is between those who argue that they should be protected in order to study how the human evolution occurred and those instead who argue that now it is no longer possible to study how they can evolve in a natural way, since now the Homines Sauri have been "contaminated" by the human presence, as they have already been sighted with Roman objects, taken who knows where, which will surely change their way of creating tools. That not counting the fact that natural evolution happens on the spans of centuries if not millenia, so it's not a pratical plan. Pending more precise provisions from Rome, the governor of Palatinus has forbidden hunting by any means these creatures, adopting the legislation present in the Empire concerning poaching. This caused some discontent, even if in general it was welcomed positively or at worst with indifference. The governor of Addua has even proposed a massive transfer of the entire species in the territory controlled by him, so as to allow the settlers of Padus to expand easily and to transform the continent of Addua into a sort of huge nature reserve. This is because the continent has a climate and morphology very similar to Padus, which would allow these creatures to adapt quickly. This proposal has been rejected at the moment not only by most of the settlers of Addua, but also by most of the scientists who study the biosphere of the planet, as they claim that such a massive intervention would risk devastating an ecological system of which at the time very little is known yet; this in addition to the fact that it is not said that such a transfer would work, citing as proof the fact that the species has not yet naturally moved on that continent, something for which there may be a reason not yet known.

Anatomy

The members of this species physically appear as humanoids tall between 150 and 160 centimeters, covered with a short cloak of dull yellow feathers, which form a sort of crown above the head. The face is elongated, with rows of teeth of different shapes, indicating an omnivorous diet. The eyes are round and positioned frontally, while the irises are circular. Two groups were found, which there is currently a discussion about whether to consider them as different subspecies or two separate species: the continental and the insular variants. The continental variant is tendentially taller and slender, without tail and with hands and feet with 5 separate fingers and a plumage with the dullest colors, while the island variant has a hint of tail present in all the specimens, hands and feet partially webbed and a plumage with more vivid colors, besides obviously being shorter and more robust. There are no significant differences between males and females from any point of view, while the younger specimens have a plumage with much more vivid colors, which fade with age. Walking is done only with the hind limbs, even if sometimes to make short journeys starting from a crouched position they return to a four-legged posture.

Behavior

From a social point of view these creatures live in communities composed of about fifty specimens, led by the oldest member, apparently without differences between males and females. Although they have not yet created a real society, it is possible to notice a division of roles, with the older or wounded members who take care of the younglings and the eggs, while the rest of the tribe goes in search of food. They were also seen using tools created by themselves, such as partially chipped stones or branches bent in particular ways for specific uses, which suggests that they are on track to become fully sapient. Another aspect studied about their ability to use tools concerns their relationship with the human objects they come into possession of. In fact, if it is obvious that they can not use the most complex ones, after a short study they can use the most basic ones, such as containers, knives, etc. Another feature that is underlined by the supporters of their intelligence is the fact that they are not frightened by fire, and if they find themselves in front of a bonfire, they throw in it some very diffused hard-shelled fruits, whose shell with the heat softens enough that they can be eaten together with the pulp, and to remove them from the flames they use fresh branches, in order to reduce the risk of catching fire. They have also been seen trying to extinguish the fires once they have exhausted their function, albeit in a crude and inefficient way, throwing earth on them. They are also apparently able to assess the danger of a fire, in fact if it is too large they do not even approach it, preferring to move away and sometimes moving the entire tribe, using the wind to guess the likely direction of the fire if it extends too much. They are also able to shelter from the elements by creating improvised shelters with the leaves of some species of trees, which often reach a surface of two square meters, and are thick enough to remain stiff even under a downpour.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Physically they appear as humanoids with an height between 150 and 160 centimeters, covered with a short cloak of dull yellow feathers, which form a sort of crown above the head. The face is elongated, with rows of thick teeth, indicating an omnivorous diet. There were found two groups, which the scientific community is currently considering whether to consider them different types belonging to the same species or two separate species: the continental and the insular variants. The continental variant is tendentially taller and slender, without tail and with hands and feet with 5 separate fingers and a plumage with the dullest colors, while the island variant has a hint of tail present in all the specimens, hands and feet partially webbed and a plumage with more vivid colors, besides obviously being lower and more robust.

Genetics and Reproduction

This species is oviparous, and the eggs are kept in a nest of fermentating organic material to keep them warm, while there is always a tribe member to keep watch on them.

Growth Rate & Stages

The infants have a period of more then a year before they are considered self-sufficients, and still it's at least another couple of years before they help the adults with the most dangerous task, like hunting.

Ecology and Habitats

This species seems to have originated in the plains of Padus, and then expandend on the neighboring islands.

Dietary Needs and Habits

This species is omnivorus, but their foremost way to acquire animal proteins seems to wait till a predator has killed their prey before driving away them, and consuming their efforts. They also raid insects' nests for larvae, and the islands populations have also been seen fishing with their hands in the coastal waters.

Biological Cycle

After leaving infancy the members of this species can live for up to 50 years, but in the later years both their senses and their movements become dulled.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The plains of the Padus continent and the nearby islands.

Average Intelligence

It's been theorized that their intelligence is on par of the intelligence of the Australopithecus.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

This species bases most of their knowledge of the world on sight and smell, and seems to have developed a rudimentary sign system to communicate.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Homo Saurus

Genetic Descendants

• Homo Saurus

Scientific Name

Homo Saurus

Origin/Ancestry

Continental, Insular

Lifespan

50 years

Conservation Status

At the moment there is still a debate about the legal status of this species. But the government of Palatinus prohibits the hunting of this species.

Average Height

150 - 160 cm.

Average Weight

50 - 70 kg