Treeworms
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Treeworms are an extinct branch of binucleid worms which developed photosynthesis and became sessile flora.
Anatomy
The Treeworms generally consist of two blue leaves held on stalks, a long tongue that is buried in the ground to absorb water and nutrients, and a flower-like reproductive organ.
Behavior
Treeworms have a two-stage life cycle. The larva, once born from an egg, will search for a suitable spot to plant. Once found, they will dig into the soil, and push their tongue into the ground, thus becoming an adult. Adults will hold up their leaves, using their eyes to shift the leaves into suitable positions.
Breathing and Blood
The Treeworms breath through their skin and have red blood like their worm ancestors. They perform orange light photosynthesis which is why the chloroplasts in their "leaf-wings" are colored blue.
Diet & Energy
Most treeworms get their energy from photosynthesis. The exception to this is the descendants of the cave torch, which rely on filter feeding as their main source of energy.
Evolution
All Treeworms evolved from the lobed solarworm, which evolved primitive photosynthetic ability. This happened when it adapted its ancestor's ability to gather heat with its large wings,for photosynthesizing.The first Treeworm to evolve to have the general posture and structure of the Treeworm group was the lotusworm shrub.
Locomotion
While all but the most primitive adults are immobile, the larva move to its plantation spot by walking, wiggling, or, in the case of the shallow-water Treeworm, using their juvenile wing leaves to paddle through the water to a new location.
Reproduction
Most Treeworms use a sexual flower-like organ to exchange reproductive material. They are pollinated by the xenobee and its decedents. They hatch their larva by means of eggs.
Senses
Most Treeworms have primitive eyes which they use to detect sunlight as adults, and to find a plantation site as larva
Size
Most Treeworms range between 1 and 5 meters tall.
Types of Treeworms
All Treeworms evolved from the lobed solarwormTreeworms come in many types with independent characteristics:
Generic Treeworms - The main group of Treeworms, described by the anatomy section. These include all Treeworms not specified here.
Decedents of bambelura - General characteristics are four low lying leaves not supported by stalks, and usage of filter feeding as their main source of energy.
Decedents of altar bloomworm - General characteristics are cone shaped leaves not supported by stalks, and with a protective coating.
Decedents of hatching shrubworm - General characteristics are that larva are contained in advanced eggs underground, the larva move aboveground and immediately settle.
Extinction
The ice comet disaster of Gen. 125 wiped out all lifeforms over 1 meter, killing off the Treeworms.