Polapin

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Polapin
(Niphoteuthis rolpolus)
Artwork of Polapin
Species is extinct.
22/140, No-Snarf
Creator Hydromancerx Other
Taxonomy
Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Subclass
Superorder
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Eukaryota
Carpozoa
Teuthomorpha
Cystoteuthia
Pankrakenia
Herpetoteuthiformes
Lipopodoteuthii
Niphoteuthidae
Niphoteuthis
Niphoteuthis rolpolus
Week/Generation 22/140
Habitat Drake Tundra
Size 50 cm Tall
Primary Mobility Unknown
Support Unknown
Diet Carnivore (Nogbarrel)
Respiration Active (Lungs)
Thermoregulation Endotherm
Reproduction Sexual, Two Sexes (Donor and Carrier), Viviparous Birth
Descendant of Ancestor of


The polapin replaced its ancestor the taigapin. Its ancestor's prey were evolving into various niches that it could not keep up with all of their various adaptions. So it specialized in hunting the nogbarrel. This touch subterranean nodent was not the easiest prey to catch. However the polapin eventually got better at catching them by evolving a trunk-like mouth to reach down into their burrows and snatch them up with their long sharp beaks. Their color changing skin came in handy when ambushing them. And their new front caws ment they could even dig after their prey.

Living in a polar environment ment they also had to develop better ways to retain heat. This mean shorter limbs and eye stalks, more blubber and even footpads to help insulate their feet from the cold ground. Their legs have also gotten stronger by developing cartilage rings in the legs to support its weight. While not bone, they do make it stronger than just the muscle its ancestors had.

Like their ancestors they use their color changing abilities not only as camouflage but for communications. They will typically change the color in their vocal sacs when calling to mates. They also can use to to warn others of predators. Like all "teuthomorphs" they have two sexes; a donor and carrier. They are also viviparous with giving birth. This means the eggs will hatch inside the body before leaving the womb. They will have 6 to 12 offspring at a time and will care for them until they are old enough to live on their own. Due to the harsh climate even this large number of offspring and parental care proves feudal. Only about half will survive the first year on their own.

Living Relatives (click to show/hide)

These are randomly selected, and organized from lowest to highest shared taxon. (This may correspond to similarity more than actual relation)
  • Ikasaru (superorder Herpetoteuthiformes)