90 million years hence
Stop five – 90 Million Years Hence - Late Lactozoic era
The Lactozoic is reaching its zenith, and the climate is somewhat warmer and wetter than today. The Atlantic Ocean is beginning to close, as Eurafrica and the Americas move toward one another. Australia has pushed even further against Asia to form large mountain range, while Antarctica has joined Australia’s southern tip. East Africa is far adrift in the Indian Ocean, having separated fully from the mainland.
The vegetation is mostly adapted to subtropical climates, and the temperate zone is somewhat narrow. The large habitable zone of Antarctica is subtropical and temperate, and plays host to an ecological clash between the last of the bird dominated Antarctic fauna, and the mammal-dominated fauna of Australasia.
Eurafrica is the hunting ground of large mustelid and mongoose descendants, which have come to resemble lions and sabre-toothed cats, the dominant herbivores here are large rodents which very closely resemble hoofed animals such as antelope and horses. The Americas play host to grazing mega-rodents that are differently descended than the Eurafrican kinds, and are hunted by large carnivorous opossums, some opossum descendants have even become bear-shaped herbivores resembling pandas. Giant grazing kangaroos trudge across the Austral-Antarctic plains, though they resemble mylodont ground sloths more than any modern kangaroo. Brush tail possums have given rise to marmot-like, burrow-digging gnawers, which store fat in their thick stubby tails. The large marsupial hunters of Australasia have been out-competed by invading carnivoran predators from the north, though some Antarctic mega-birds remain. The oceans are still the domain of large predatory fish, both bony and cartilaginous.
Soon the Lactozoic will come to an end, and this mammal dominated fauna will be disrupted, what comes after will be even stranger.
The Lactozoic is reaching its zenith, and the climate is somewhat warmer and wetter than today. The Atlantic Ocean is beginning to close, as Eurafrica and the Americas move toward one another. Australia has pushed even further against Asia to form large mountain range, while Antarctica has joined Australia’s southern tip. East Africa is far adrift in the Indian Ocean, having separated fully from the mainland.
The vegetation is mostly adapted to subtropical climates, and the temperate zone is somewhat narrow. The large habitable zone of Antarctica is subtropical and temperate, and plays host to an ecological clash between the last of the bird dominated Antarctic fauna, and the mammal-dominated fauna of Australasia.
Eurafrica is the hunting ground of large mustelid and mongoose descendants, which have come to resemble lions and sabre-toothed cats, the dominant herbivores here are large rodents which very closely resemble hoofed animals such as antelope and horses. The Americas play host to grazing mega-rodents that are differently descended than the Eurafrican kinds, and are hunted by large carnivorous opossums, some opossum descendants have even become bear-shaped herbivores resembling pandas. Giant grazing kangaroos trudge across the Austral-Antarctic plains, though they resemble mylodont ground sloths more than any modern kangaroo. Brush tail possums have given rise to marmot-like, burrow-digging gnawers, which store fat in their thick stubby tails. The large marsupial hunters of Australasia have been out-competed by invading carnivoran predators from the north, though some Antarctic mega-birds remain. The oceans are still the domain of large predatory fish, both bony and cartilaginous.
Soon the Lactozoic will come to an end, and this mammal dominated fauna will be disrupted, what comes after will be even stranger.
fauna
Great Gentle Roo (Hapalomacropus bovinus)
Ancestor: Eastern Gray Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)
Descended from creatures much like the goliath roo, these 2.5 ton herbivorous marsupials are an ever-present sight on the tropical savannahs of Australasia. They feed low to the ground, mainly eating various kinds of grass and herbaceous plants, but will also unearth roots and tubers with their fore paws. They have long ago lost the ability to hop, and simply amble from place to place; they defend themselves with heavy blows of their forefeet. Reproduction is somewhat slower than in modern kangaroos.
Ancestor: Eastern Gray Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)
Descended from creatures much like the goliath roo, these 2.5 ton herbivorous marsupials are an ever-present sight on the tropical savannahs of Australasia. They feed low to the ground, mainly eating various kinds of grass and herbaceous plants, but will also unearth roots and tubers with their fore paws. They have long ago lost the ability to hop, and simply amble from place to place; they defend themselves with heavy blows of their forefeet. Reproduction is somewhat slower than in modern kangaroos.
Possum-marmot (Trichomarmota rodens)
Ancestor: Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
The savannahs and scrubland of tropical and subtropical Australasia, as well as much of Antarctica, are dotted with many crater-like burrow entrances. These belong to the possum-marmot, a 5 kilogram rodent-like marsupial. Having constantly growing teeth, they feed on grass, roots and stems, usually storing fat in their thick tails for leaner times. They dig fairly extensive burrows, reaching some tens of meters in length. Females regularly give birth to twin joeys.
Ancestor: Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
The savannahs and scrubland of tropical and subtropical Australasia, as well as much of Antarctica, are dotted with many crater-like burrow entrances. These belong to the possum-marmot, a 5 kilogram rodent-like marsupial. Having constantly growing teeth, they feed on grass, roots and stems, usually storing fat in their thick tails for leaner times. They dig fairly extensive burrows, reaching some tens of meters in length. Females regularly give birth to twin joeys.
Bone Raven (Osteornis robustus)
Ancestor: Little Raven (Corvus mellori)
As the now habitable Antarctica has moved north, colliding with Australasia, most of the giant flightless birds have died out. One exception is the bone raven, a hulking 300 kilogram bird which is supremely good at scavenging and foraging. It feeds partly on carcasses, being able to crush bones as easily as a parrot shucks a nut, but it will also commonly consume roots, fruit and large nuts. It is mainly found in the subtropical regions of Antarctica, and the tropical plains of Australasia.
Ancestor: Little Raven (Corvus mellori)
As the now habitable Antarctica has moved north, colliding with Australasia, most of the giant flightless birds have died out. One exception is the bone raven, a hulking 300 kilogram bird which is supremely good at scavenging and foraging. It feeds partly on carcasses, being able to crush bones as easily as a parrot shucks a nut, but it will also commonly consume roots, fruit and large nuts. It is mainly found in the subtropical regions of Antarctica, and the tropical plains of Australasia.
Mungopanther (Mungopanthera pseudofelis)
Ancestor: Indian Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii)
As mustelid descendants take the role of sabre-tooths and bears, so descendants of the mongoose have become remarkably like cats. The mungopanther genus is found across Eurafrica, through Asia and into Australasia. They are large, puma-like predators, weighing as much as 80 kilograms, and looking remarkably like true big cats. Hunting from ambush, much like a leopard or puma, they are able to bring down prey as heavy as 200 kilograms.
Ancestor: Indian Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii)
As mustelid descendants take the role of sabre-tooths and bears, so descendants of the mongoose have become remarkably like cats. The mungopanther genus is found across Eurafrica, through Asia and into Australasia. They are large, puma-like predators, weighing as much as 80 kilograms, and looking remarkably like true big cats. Hunting from ambush, much like a leopard or puma, they are able to bring down prey as heavy as 200 kilograms.
Sabre-Stoat (Smilomustela robusta)
Ancestor: Stoat (Mustela erminea)
At this stage in the Lactozoic, weasel and mongoose descendants are the dominant predatory mammals. The sabre-stoat is a huge 200 kilogram predator, looking partway between a lion and a wolverine, with large sabre canines. These teeth are far more robust and tusk-like than those of the Smilodon, and can be used much more brutally; prey is usually killed with a bite to the spine or throat. They are solitary hunters, attacking from ambush and quickly overpowering even large prey. This species ranges across Eurafrica and Asia.
Ancestor: Stoat (Mustela erminea)
At this stage in the Lactozoic, weasel and mongoose descendants are the dominant predatory mammals. The sabre-stoat is a huge 200 kilogram predator, looking partway between a lion and a wolverine, with large sabre canines. These teeth are far more robust and tusk-like than those of the Smilodon, and can be used much more brutally; prey is usually killed with a bite to the spine or throat. They are solitary hunters, attacking from ambush and quickly overpowering even large prey. This species ranges across Eurafrica and Asia.
False Antelope (Cornutomys antillopinus)
Ancestor: Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Mega-rodent success continues, but now they barely resemble rats at all. The False Antelope is a fast-running, gazelle-like rodent, reaching 80 kilograms in weight and 1.7 meters tall. Their legs are very long and gracile, ending in genuine hooves, propelling this animal at speeds of up to 80 kilometres. The base of the snout is thickened and sports a pair of long sharp horns. Five Conutomys species are found across Eurafrica and mainland Asia, inhabiting savannahs, scrubland and open forest. False Antelopes are primarily grazers, but will crop hardy bushes during lean times. Breeding occurs twice a year, and the female gives birth to a single large calf, which can walk and run mere days after birth.
Ancestor: Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Mega-rodent success continues, but now they barely resemble rats at all. The False Antelope is a fast-running, gazelle-like rodent, reaching 80 kilograms in weight and 1.7 meters tall. Their legs are very long and gracile, ending in genuine hooves, propelling this animal at speeds of up to 80 kilometres. The base of the snout is thickened and sports a pair of long sharp horns. Five Conutomys species are found across Eurafrica and mainland Asia, inhabiting savannahs, scrubland and open forest. False Antelopes are primarily grazers, but will crop hardy bushes during lean times. Breeding occurs twice a year, and the female gives birth to a single large calf, which can walk and run mere days after birth.
Shore-pig (Pocoparadoxia marephilus)
Ancestor: Domestic Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)
Resembling a desmostylian in some ways, the shore pig is a 1 ton marine mammal that grazes on seaweeds in the coastal waters of tropical Eurafrica. It roots about on the seabed with its large tusks and prehensile snout, uprooting and consuming various kinds of marine algae and sea-grasses. Shore pigs are very adept swimmers, but are relatively slow on land. A single calf is born underwater, much like a hippopotamus.
Ancestor: Domestic Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)
Resembling a desmostylian in some ways, the shore pig is a 1 ton marine mammal that grazes on seaweeds in the coastal waters of tropical Eurafrica. It roots about on the seabed with its large tusks and prehensile snout, uprooting and consuming various kinds of marine algae and sea-grasses. Shore pigs are very adept swimmers, but are relatively slow on land. A single calf is born underwater, much like a hippopotamus.
Billgoat (Rhamhocapra monodactylus)
Ancestor: Domestic Goat (Capra aegagrus hircus)
Eastern Africa has been isolated for much of the Lactozoic, and now it is far adrift in the Indian Ocean. Though herbivorous mega-rodents dominate in Eurafrica and Asia, ungulates still remain on the East African subcontinent, such as descendants of the domestic goat. One particularly odd one is the Billgoat, a fleet deer-like browser with an unusual face. Prevalence of thorny plants with poisonous sap has driven the evolution of a beak-like mouth derived from the keratinous cropping pad on the upper jaw. Billgoats roam shyly through scrubland and open forests, shearing off large mouthfuls of tough noxious vegetation with their bills. They will flee very quickly at the slightest sign of danger, reaching as quick as 55 kilometres per hour in short bursts.
Ancestor: Domestic Goat (Capra aegagrus hircus)
Eastern Africa has been isolated for much of the Lactozoic, and now it is far adrift in the Indian Ocean. Though herbivorous mega-rodents dominate in Eurafrica and Asia, ungulates still remain on the East African subcontinent, such as descendants of the domestic goat. One particularly odd one is the Billgoat, a fleet deer-like browser with an unusual face. Prevalence of thorny plants with poisonous sap has driven the evolution of a beak-like mouth derived from the keratinous cropping pad on the upper jaw. Billgoats roam shyly through scrubland and open forests, shearing off large mouthfuls of tough noxious vegetation with their bills. They will flee very quickly at the slightest sign of danger, reaching as quick as 55 kilometres per hour in short bursts.
Squoth (Tardosciurus megalonyx)
Ancestor: Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
The subtropical broadleaf forests of the bottom half of North America are home to the slow, lazy Squoth. These 10 kilogram climbers move slowly from branch to branch, suspended upside-down by their large clawed feet. Feeding exclusively on leaves, they have ridged molars which efficiently chop plant matter into a pulp. Generally defenceless, they rely on their slow movements and mottled branch-like colour to conceal themselves.
Ancestor: Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
The subtropical broadleaf forests of the bottom half of North America are home to the slow, lazy Squoth. These 10 kilogram climbers move slowly from branch to branch, suspended upside-down by their large clawed feet. Feeding exclusively on leaves, they have ridged molars which efficiently chop plant matter into a pulp. Generally defenceless, they rely on their slow movements and mottled branch-like colour to conceal themselves.
Pouched Panda (Phytodidelphis robusta)
Ancestor: Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Inhabiting the forested belt of North America is this 200 kilogram, bear-shaped marsupial. It feeds mostly on low-growing leafy vegetation much like a panda or gorilla, having opposable digits on its forefeet for manipulating food. Mostly solitary, they will not tolerate others inside their territory outside the breeding season. Fecundity is a good deal lower than its distant ancestor, the opossum.
Ancestor: Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Inhabiting the forested belt of North America is this 200 kilogram, bear-shaped marsupial. It feeds mostly on low-growing leafy vegetation much like a panda or gorilla, having opposable digits on its forefeet for manipulating food. Mostly solitary, they will not tolerate others inside their territory outside the breeding season. Fecundity is a good deal lower than its distant ancestor, the opossum.
Lion Shark (Megalocarcharhinus macrodens)
Ancestor: Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
Large predatory sharks inhabit the tropical and temperate waters at this time, much as they did before. The mackerel sharks such as great whites are long gone, but descendants of the adaptable bull shark thrive. Lion Sharks are 7 to 8 meter long predators, commonly found in tropical and temperate waters globally. They feed on semi-aquatic mammals such as shore pigs, as well as all manner of fish and squid. Their teeth are large, sharp and formidable, resembling those of great white sharks.
Ancestor: Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
Large predatory sharks inhabit the tropical and temperate waters at this time, much as they did before. The mackerel sharks such as great whites are long gone, but descendants of the adaptable bull shark thrive. Lion Sharks are 7 to 8 meter long predators, commonly found in tropical and temperate waters globally. They feed on semi-aquatic mammals such as shore pigs, as well as all manner of fish and squid. Their teeth are large, sharp and formidable, resembling those of great white sharks.
Fishphin (Delphinichthys socialis)
Ancestor: Walleye (Sander vitreus)
The oceans are still the primary empire of the fish. Fishphin are 3 meter long predators that swim in large shoals, catching smaller fish and squid in their toothy jaws. Intelligent as far as fish go, they make coordinated attacks on shoals of fish, and are able to communicate using drumming chirps. They can swim very fast, almost as fast as a marlin or swordfish. Spawning occurs in equatorial waters.
Ancestor: Walleye (Sander vitreus)
The oceans are still the primary empire of the fish. Fishphin are 3 meter long predators that swim in large shoals, catching smaller fish and squid in their toothy jaws. Intelligent as far as fish go, they make coordinated attacks on shoals of fish, and are able to communicate using drumming chirps. They can swim very fast, almost as fast as a marlin or swordfish. Spawning occurs in equatorial waters.
Mass extinction
Mass Extinction – 100 million years hence – the close of the Lactozoic
A large comet impact, the likes of which have not been seen since the late Cretaceous, sends the earth into the first mass extinction since the one caused by humanity. The majority of the large ruling mammals are wiped out in one fell swoop, as the marine food web collapses, the giant bony fishes of the oceans also succumb to extinction.
There are various survivors, most of which are small and adaptable. Relatives of black rats, grey squirrels, brushtail possums, shrews, gulls, pigeons, sparrows and fruit bats all survive the cataclysm, to lay the seeds of a new age. Some small types of lizard and freshwater turtle hold on particularly well, almost as if nothing had happened at all.
A large comet impact, the likes of which have not been seen since the late Cretaceous, sends the earth into the first mass extinction since the one caused by humanity. The majority of the large ruling mammals are wiped out in one fell swoop, as the marine food web collapses, the giant bony fishes of the oceans also succumb to extinction.
There are various survivors, most of which are small and adaptable. Relatives of black rats, grey squirrels, brushtail possums, shrews, gulls, pigeons, sparrows and fruit bats all survive the cataclysm, to lay the seeds of a new age. Some small types of lizard and freshwater turtle hold on particularly well, almost as if nothing had happened at all.