230 million year hence
Stop eight – 230 million years hence – Mid Saurozoic era
As the climate steadily grows warmer, a new age of reptiles descends upon the earth, the Saurozoic. Eurafrica the Americas and Australasia have united to form a new supercontinent, Pangaea Ultima. In spite of this, Antactica has broken away again, marching southward.
The ecology is lush, warm and wet in coastal and low-lying areas, tropical kinds of plants include conifers, palms, and various shrubs and ground cover descended from herbaceous plants. Towards the centre of the supercontinent, there are large deserts, produced by the continental climate. The temperate zones to the north north contain shrubby grasslands and temperate forests, the ice caps are relatively small.
The Saurozoic fauna is dominated by reptiles, many of them large and sophisticated. Warm-blooded lizard descendants and giant terrestrial turtles are the main megafaunal forms. Cooler climates play host to endothermic lizards with feather-like insulating scales, while in the tropics predatory lizards recall Curotarsans in their erect-legged gait, some on all fours and some bipedally. Some small predator niches are taken by large insects and centipedes. Neotenous fish-like tadpoles have evolved and start to compete with more common kinds of fish. The oceans are plied by large shark-shaped pythons which recall the mosasaurs of the Cretaceous. Small birds and bats are largely replaced by swarms upon swarms of weevils, beetles and wasps, though as yet they remain similar in size to those of today. The last remaining bats are widespread, but far less speciose and populated than in the Holocene, large predators and fruit eaters reaching considerable wingspans (up to 3.5 meters). Mammals and birds are represented only by single lineages which are very specialized, and may soon succumb to extinction.
This scaly paradise is a brutal world all too far removed from that of the Holocene and Anthropocene, and with the waning of the mid Saurozoic, the very last bird will be extinguished.
As the climate steadily grows warmer, a new age of reptiles descends upon the earth, the Saurozoic. Eurafrica the Americas and Australasia have united to form a new supercontinent, Pangaea Ultima. In spite of this, Antactica has broken away again, marching southward.
The ecology is lush, warm and wet in coastal and low-lying areas, tropical kinds of plants include conifers, palms, and various shrubs and ground cover descended from herbaceous plants. Towards the centre of the supercontinent, there are large deserts, produced by the continental climate. The temperate zones to the north north contain shrubby grasslands and temperate forests, the ice caps are relatively small.
The Saurozoic fauna is dominated by reptiles, many of them large and sophisticated. Warm-blooded lizard descendants and giant terrestrial turtles are the main megafaunal forms. Cooler climates play host to endothermic lizards with feather-like insulating scales, while in the tropics predatory lizards recall Curotarsans in their erect-legged gait, some on all fours and some bipedally. Some small predator niches are taken by large insects and centipedes. Neotenous fish-like tadpoles have evolved and start to compete with more common kinds of fish. The oceans are plied by large shark-shaped pythons which recall the mosasaurs of the Cretaceous. Small birds and bats are largely replaced by swarms upon swarms of weevils, beetles and wasps, though as yet they remain similar in size to those of today. The last remaining bats are widespread, but far less speciose and populated than in the Holocene, large predators and fruit eaters reaching considerable wingspans (up to 3.5 meters). Mammals and birds are represented only by single lineages which are very specialized, and may soon succumb to extinction.
This scaly paradise is a brutal world all too far removed from that of the Holocene and Anthropocene, and with the waning of the mid Saurozoic, the very last bird will be extinguished.
fauna
Beardhemoth (Pogonaceros austral-asiatica)
Ancestor: Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata)
The lineage of piggy-dragons has given rise to some of the largest Saurozoic herbivores. Beardhemoths are 7 meters long and weigh 4 tons, mixed feeders which eat a wide range of vegetation, from soft grasses and herbs to shrubs and low foliage. They are found across the Austral-Asian portion of Pangaea-Ultima, into the southern reaches of what was once Europe. Beardhemoths are mainly found in open habitats like open forest, scrubland and plains, where they roam in large herds. Their jaws are lined with large, crenulated teeth for cropping vegetation, which is not chewed, instead fermented in a large gut. Both males and females have a horn which is used for defence against predators, males spar by locking jaws and biting each other. Females lay clutches of up to 30 large eggs in the dry season.
Ancestor: Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata)
The lineage of piggy-dragons has given rise to some of the largest Saurozoic herbivores. Beardhemoths are 7 meters long and weigh 4 tons, mixed feeders which eat a wide range of vegetation, from soft grasses and herbs to shrubs and low foliage. They are found across the Austral-Asian portion of Pangaea-Ultima, into the southern reaches of what was once Europe. Beardhemoths are mainly found in open habitats like open forest, scrubland and plains, where they roam in large herds. Their jaws are lined with large, crenulated teeth for cropping vegetation, which is not chewed, instead fermented in a large gut. Both males and females have a horn which is used for defence against predators, males spar by locking jaws and biting each other. Females lay clutches of up to 30 large eggs in the dry season.
Ozdrake (Varanovenator curotarsioides)
Ancestor: Sand Goanna (Varanus gouldii)
Large komodo-dragon-like monitors had been prevalent in Austral-Antarctica since the Mediozoic, but the Saurozoic saw the rise of endothermic, erect-gaited goannas much like the large curotarsans of the Triassic. Ozdrakes are the apex predator of the Austral-Asian regions of Pangaea-Ultima, prevalent in both open plains and forests. Reaching 7 meters long and 900 kilograms, it has a fearsome, almost dinosaurian-looking head complete with a maw full of knife-like teeth. They spring from ambush and take chase, having relatively much more stamina than any komodo dragon, prey is killed with large wounding bites to the neck or flanks. Even relatively large prey is taken, such as half-grown Beardhemoths. These reptiles are mainly solitary, verging on antisocial outside the breeding season, individuals have large territories.
Ancestor: Sand Goanna (Varanus gouldii)
Large komodo-dragon-like monitors had been prevalent in Austral-Antarctica since the Mediozoic, but the Saurozoic saw the rise of endothermic, erect-gaited goannas much like the large curotarsans of the Triassic. Ozdrakes are the apex predator of the Austral-Asian regions of Pangaea-Ultima, prevalent in both open plains and forests. Reaching 7 meters long and 900 kilograms, it has a fearsome, almost dinosaurian-looking head complete with a maw full of knife-like teeth. They spring from ambush and take chase, having relatively much more stamina than any komodo dragon, prey is killed with large wounding bites to the neck or flanks. Even relatively large prey is taken, such as half-grown Beardhemoths. These reptiles are mainly solitary, verging on antisocial outside the breeding season, individuals have large territories.
Shagdrak (Lacertahtherium pseudopilosa)
Ancestor: Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
Small insulated reptiles related to the Zmey made it through the ratmen-induced extinction fairly well, and have given rise to many new forms. Shagdraks are 300 kilogram herbivores that are common in the temperate zone of Pangaea Ultima, their dense coat of feather-like fibres protect them from the worst frosts or cold of the winter. They feed selectively on soft vegetation, which they crop with their beak-like jaws; the rear part of the mouth is able to do some degree of chewing. Their shaggy fibres also serve some defensive role; the first wounding bite from most predators simply results in a mouthful of shed plumage. During cold winter weather, they curl up, covering their face and feet with its plumage. In the spring, up to 4 large eggs are laid in a compost nest, females care for their young to a fair degree.
Ancestor: Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
Small insulated reptiles related to the Zmey made it through the ratmen-induced extinction fairly well, and have given rise to many new forms. Shagdraks are 300 kilogram herbivores that are common in the temperate zone of Pangaea Ultima, their dense coat of feather-like fibres protect them from the worst frosts or cold of the winter. They feed selectively on soft vegetation, which they crop with their beak-like jaws; the rear part of the mouth is able to do some degree of chewing. Their shaggy fibres also serve some defensive role; the first wounding bite from most predators simply results in a mouthful of shed plumage. During cold winter weather, they curl up, covering their face and feet with its plumage. In the spring, up to 4 large eggs are laid in a compost nest, females care for their young to a fair degree.
Terratoise (Testudoterrapene gigas)
Ancestor: Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
With the prevalence of hot tropical climates, separate groups of reptile have evolved into megafaunal forms. Terratoise are common in the coastal forests and scrubland of equatorial Pangaea-Ultima, where they feed mainly on soft vegetation as well as fruit, nuts and carrion. Their metabolism has somewhat advanced, they have a megathermic metabolism much like a leatherback turtle, indeed terratoise reach up to one ton in weight, and can retain heat very well. They have lost the ability to retract into their shell, but their limbs are mostly erect, which aids them in reaching leaves and in fleeing predators. Females lay a clutch of up to 30 large eggs in the dry season, which incubate in a compost nest, there is no parental care. Terratoise have no fixed social groups, but often congregate around ample sources of food.
Ancestor: Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
With the prevalence of hot tropical climates, separate groups of reptile have evolved into megafaunal forms. Terratoise are common in the coastal forests and scrubland of equatorial Pangaea-Ultima, where they feed mainly on soft vegetation as well as fruit, nuts and carrion. Their metabolism has somewhat advanced, they have a megathermic metabolism much like a leatherback turtle, indeed terratoise reach up to one ton in weight, and can retain heat very well. They have lost the ability to retract into their shell, but their limbs are mostly erect, which aids them in reaching leaves and in fleeing predators. Females lay a clutch of up to 30 large eggs in the dry season, which incubate in a compost nest, there is no parental care. Terratoise have no fixed social groups, but often congregate around ample sources of food.
Venator (Squamoraptor venator)
Ancestor: Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
The venator is a 3.5 meter long running predator, commonly found in the equatorial Eurafrican regions of Pangaea-Ultima. It somewhat resembles a scaly-version of a Dromaeosaur dinosaur, especially in having large hyperextensible toe-talons. They chase prey by sprinting from ambush, and are even able to overtake the faster kinds of endothermic reptile. Prey is killed with a combination of slashes from the toe claws and fierce bites. Venators are most often found in open country that has a good amount of cover, but they are also found in forests where the trees are not too dense. Females lay a clutch of about 10 large eggs in the wet season, and the young are cared for until they are about a quarter adult size.
Ancestor: Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
The venator is a 3.5 meter long running predator, commonly found in the equatorial Eurafrican regions of Pangaea-Ultima. It somewhat resembles a scaly-version of a Dromaeosaur dinosaur, especially in having large hyperextensible toe-talons. They chase prey by sprinting from ambush, and are even able to overtake the faster kinds of endothermic reptile. Prey is killed with a combination of slashes from the toe claws and fierce bites. Venators are most often found in open country that has a good amount of cover, but they are also found in forests where the trees are not too dense. Females lay a clutch of about 10 large eggs in the wet season, and the young are cared for until they are about a quarter adult size.
Batross (Ornithochiropteryx dolichocephala)
Ancestor: Egyptian Rousette (Rousettus aegyptiacus)
As the Mediozoic came to a close, most kinds of bats and flighted birds were killed off by rampant disease, epizooties of flu-like and fungal ailments. As a result, bats are relatively rare in the Saurozoic, with only a few large specialized species. The batross is the largest, a huge day-flying predator with a wingspan of up to 3.5 meters. Its wings have become far better adapted to active birdlike flight, with a well formed “bastard wing” and a fully aerodynamic shape. They snatch prey such as fish, large insects, frogs and small reptiles, with a snap of their elongate, toothy jaws. On the ground, they are much more mobile than their ancestor, fully able to walk upright. At rest, they generally sit in the fork of a tree, as opposed to hanging upside-down; females give birth to a large pup each rainy season.
Ancestor: Egyptian Rousette (Rousettus aegyptiacus)
As the Mediozoic came to a close, most kinds of bats and flighted birds were killed off by rampant disease, epizooties of flu-like and fungal ailments. As a result, bats are relatively rare in the Saurozoic, with only a few large specialized species. The batross is the largest, a huge day-flying predator with a wingspan of up to 3.5 meters. Its wings have become far better adapted to active birdlike flight, with a well formed “bastard wing” and a fully aerodynamic shape. They snatch prey such as fish, large insects, frogs and small reptiles, with a snap of their elongate, toothy jaws. On the ground, they are much more mobile than their ancestor, fully able to walk upright. At rest, they generally sit in the fork of a tree, as opposed to hanging upside-down; females give birth to a large pup each rainy season.
Wormer (Talpamus myops)
Ancestor: House Mouse (Mus musculus)
Competitive pressure from endothermic reptiles has spelled the doom of many of the mammals that remained after the Mediozoic extinction. The very last lineage is the wormers, lemming-sized diggers which feed exclusively on worms and soil-dwelling grubs. Molars are absent, and the fore-jaw sports large impaling incisors which also chop up their invertebrate prey. Rate of reproduction is still fairly fast, and wormers are as common around Pangaea Ultima as moles were in our time. Their over-specialization may prevent rodents from inheriting the earth again in future ages.
Ancestor: House Mouse (Mus musculus)
Competitive pressure from endothermic reptiles has spelled the doom of many of the mammals that remained after the Mediozoic extinction. The very last lineage is the wormers, lemming-sized diggers which feed exclusively on worms and soil-dwelling grubs. Molars are absent, and the fore-jaw sports large impaling incisors which also chop up their invertebrate prey. Rate of reproduction is still fairly fast, and wormers are as common around Pangaea Ultima as moles were in our time. Their over-specialization may prevent rodents from inheriting the earth again in future ages.
Birdlamb (Agneornis apteryx)
Ancestor: House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
The final lineage of birds that remains have almost lost their wings entirely, barring any future foray back into the air. Birdlambs are turkey-sized flightless birds that feed mostly on grass and sedges, being distributed mainly in the temperate zone. Reproduction is slower somewhat than many flying birds, a clutch of 3 or 4 large eggs is laid every spring, and cared for extensively by the mother. These birds live and travel in flocks of up to 20, but are heavily preyed upon by various predatory reptiles.
Ancestor: House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
The final lineage of birds that remains have almost lost their wings entirely, barring any future foray back into the air. Birdlambs are turkey-sized flightless birds that feed mostly on grass and sedges, being distributed mainly in the temperate zone. Reproduction is slower somewhat than many flying birds, a clutch of 3 or 4 large eggs is laid every spring, and cared for extensively by the mother. These birds live and travel in flocks of up to 20, but are heavily preyed upon by various predatory reptiles.
Dire Snark (Lamnapython horridus)
Ancestor: Children's python (Antaresia childreni)
As descendants of lizards dominate the land, the ocean boils with the descendants of snakes. The snarks are a group of snakes that have developed a higher metabolism and an almost fish-like shape, the vestigial hind limbs of pythons have become flippers, and large keels adorn the chest to aid in steering. The dire snark is the largest, reaching 12 meters long, preying on fish, squid and smaller sea serpents. Its jaws are robust and relatively inflexible, bearing long conical teeth for seizing prey. Dire snarks are found from equatorial waters to the southern reaches of temperate seas, and give birth to live young (usually 2 each season).
Ancestor: Children's python (Antaresia childreni)
As descendants of lizards dominate the land, the ocean boils with the descendants of snakes. The snarks are a group of snakes that have developed a higher metabolism and an almost fish-like shape, the vestigial hind limbs of pythons have become flippers, and large keels adorn the chest to aid in steering. The dire snark is the largest, reaching 12 meters long, preying on fish, squid and smaller sea serpents. Its jaws are robust and relatively inflexible, bearing long conical teeth for seizing prey. Dire snarks are found from equatorial waters to the southern reaches of temperate seas, and give birth to live young (usually 2 each season).