450 million years hence
Stop ten – 450 Million Years Hence – Early Ultimozoic era
The supercontinent Pangaea Ultima has broken up into large fragments, new continents. Modern geography is essentially useless at this point, as nothing appears as it was, but there are individual fragments that were Australasia, America, Antarctica and Eurafrica respectively.
The climate is very hot and tropical, rainforests and swamps predominate at the equator, but further north and south there are scrubby savannas and deserts. Tree and shrub like descendants of herbaceous plants are common, as are coniferous shrubs and tall pine like timbers. Angiosperm trees are still present, but the harsh climate has put them second fiddle to conifers and newer forms. Grasses are much less dominant, and are mainly found as hardy desert tussocks.
The fauna on land is dominated by large arthropods, many of which have specialisations which allow them to reach great sizes. Spiders as large as lobsters, predatory centipedes as long as a man and huge squat millipedes all prosper because of their thick carapace-like exoskeletons, and relatively advanced means of respiration (compared to modern arthropods). Grapefruit-sized flightless beetles chew and graze on the vegetation in large jostling droves, afforded protection and support by their large shell-like elytra. The skies hum and whirr to the sound of huge predatory hornets and robber fly descendants, some as large as blackbirds. In the oceans, swamps and rivers, an advanced lineage of polychaete worm takes the role of large predators, whilst tadpole-shaped amphibians and various small fish can also be found. There are still some small vertebrates in the forests, one kind of fish has become a semi-terrestrial forager, and small lizards can be found that seem fairly familiar, except for their more efficient gait and respiration. Beneath the forest soil of one continental fragment, the very last of the mammals persists, but will soon succumb to extinction.
The supercontinent Pangaea Ultima has broken up into large fragments, new continents. Modern geography is essentially useless at this point, as nothing appears as it was, but there are individual fragments that were Australasia, America, Antarctica and Eurafrica respectively.
The climate is very hot and tropical, rainforests and swamps predominate at the equator, but further north and south there are scrubby savannas and deserts. Tree and shrub like descendants of herbaceous plants are common, as are coniferous shrubs and tall pine like timbers. Angiosperm trees are still present, but the harsh climate has put them second fiddle to conifers and newer forms. Grasses are much less dominant, and are mainly found as hardy desert tussocks.
The fauna on land is dominated by large arthropods, many of which have specialisations which allow them to reach great sizes. Spiders as large as lobsters, predatory centipedes as long as a man and huge squat millipedes all prosper because of their thick carapace-like exoskeletons, and relatively advanced means of respiration (compared to modern arthropods). Grapefruit-sized flightless beetles chew and graze on the vegetation in large jostling droves, afforded protection and support by their large shell-like elytra. The skies hum and whirr to the sound of huge predatory hornets and robber fly descendants, some as large as blackbirds. In the oceans, swamps and rivers, an advanced lineage of polychaete worm takes the role of large predators, whilst tadpole-shaped amphibians and various small fish can also be found. There are still some small vertebrates in the forests, one kind of fish has become a semi-terrestrial forager, and small lizards can be found that seem fairly familiar, except for their more efficient gait and respiration. Beneath the forest soil of one continental fragment, the very last of the mammals persists, but will soon succumb to extinction.
fauna
Mortipede (Phoboscolopendra longa)
Ancestor: Giant Centipede (Ethmostigmus rubripes)
In this part of the Ultimozoic, invertebrates dominate the land and sea. The tropical forests and scrubland of the Eurafrican continental fragment are home to the mortipede. Reaching 1.5 meters long, this creature is the biggest centipede to ever exist, attaining such a large size partly because its exoskeleton is hardened and robust, anchoring large muscles. Mortipedes move quickly through the undergrowth, hunting other large arthropods, as well as small vertebrates, which are envenomated and disembowelled with its large maxillopoda. These creatures mainly rely on superior speed and strength to catch prey, though they will often make an ambush. As with all large Ultimozoic arthropods, respiration is considerably more advanced than its ancestor, the books lungs are much more extensive and plicated.
Ancestor: Giant Centipede (Ethmostigmus rubripes)
In this part of the Ultimozoic, invertebrates dominate the land and sea. The tropical forests and scrubland of the Eurafrican continental fragment are home to the mortipede. Reaching 1.5 meters long, this creature is the biggest centipede to ever exist, attaining such a large size partly because its exoskeleton is hardened and robust, anchoring large muscles. Mortipedes move quickly through the undergrowth, hunting other large arthropods, as well as small vertebrates, which are envenomated and disembowelled with its large maxillopoda. These creatures mainly rely on superior speed and strength to catch prey, though they will often make an ambush. As with all large Ultimozoic arthropods, respiration is considerably more advanced than its ancestor, the books lungs are much more extensive and plicated.
Arachnotitan (Astacarachne gigas)
Ancestor: Trapdoor Spider (Ummidia aedificatoria)
As with many Ultimozoic arthropods, spiders have produced large armoured forms. Arachnotitans reach up to 1 meter in legspan, and have a chunky plated body similar in sized to an un-shucked coconut. They are relatively slow moving, especially compared to creatures like the mortipede, but arachnotitan prey on slow-moving arthropods such as large beetles and heavy armoured millipedes, which they crack open with their crab-like pedipalps. This species is found mainly in the tropical forests of the Eurafrican continental fragment, and they tend to prefer areas with dense undergrowth from which to make am ambush. Females brood silk pouches full of pearl-sized eggs in the dry season. The book lung is large and heavily folded, enriched with a large amount of blood vessels.
Ancestor: Trapdoor Spider (Ummidia aedificatoria)
As with many Ultimozoic arthropods, spiders have produced large armoured forms. Arachnotitans reach up to 1 meter in legspan, and have a chunky plated body similar in sized to an un-shucked coconut. They are relatively slow moving, especially compared to creatures like the mortipede, but arachnotitan prey on slow-moving arthropods such as large beetles and heavy armoured millipedes, which they crack open with their crab-like pedipalps. This species is found mainly in the tropical forests of the Eurafrican continental fragment, and they tend to prefer areas with dense undergrowth from which to make am ambush. Females brood silk pouches full of pearl-sized eggs in the dry season. The book lung is large and heavily folded, enriched with a large amount of blood vessels.
Chuggypede (Duodecigigas rotunda)
Ancestor: Black Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger)
The most common large herbivore of the Eurafrican fragment is the chuggypede, a huge stout millipede which is 80 centimetres long and 35 centimetres wide. It trundles slowly through the forest undergrowth, cropping low vegetation with its large mandibles. At the first sign of any danger, it hunkers down, hiding its legs under the edges of its segments. This defence does not always work, as some predators are able to pierce their armour. Though they are solitary, ample vegetation may attract large congregations of these millipedes, which can denude a spot relatively quickly. The number of segments and legs is reduced, giving the animal a domed, oval body shape.
Ancestor: Black Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger)
The most common large herbivore of the Eurafrican fragment is the chuggypede, a huge stout millipede which is 80 centimetres long and 35 centimetres wide. It trundles slowly through the forest undergrowth, cropping low vegetation with its large mandibles. At the first sign of any danger, it hunkers down, hiding its legs under the edges of its segments. This defence does not always work, as some predators are able to pierce their armour. Though they are solitary, ample vegetation may attract large congregations of these millipedes, which can denude a spot relatively quickly. The number of segments and legs is reduced, giving the animal a domed, oval body shape.
Re-lizard (Neosaura nanus)
Ancestor: Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
Though the Saurozoic saw many species of lizard become giant endotherms, small “typical lizards” were still common then, and some even remain in the Ultimozoic. Re-lizards have a more upright gait and more advanced means of respiration than a modern lizard, but their metabolism is only slightly higher. Reaching 20 centimetres long, this species is common throughout the Eurafrican fragment, and often falls prey to predatory invertebrates, just as its distant ancestors of the Carboniferous did.
Ancestor: Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
Though the Saurozoic saw many species of lizard become giant endotherms, small “typical lizards” were still common then, and some even remain in the Ultimozoic. Re-lizards have a more upright gait and more advanced means of respiration than a modern lizard, but their metabolism is only slightly higher. Reaching 20 centimetres long, this species is common throughout the Eurafrican fragment, and often falls prey to predatory invertebrates, just as its distant ancestors of the Carboniferous did.
Limacothere (Limacothera arbora)
Ancestor: Leopard Slug (Limax maximus)
In the wet tropical rainforests of the Eurafrican fragment, the trees are inhabitated by a large molluscan herbivore, the limacothere. This slug reaches 1 meter long, and has a long flexible fore body to aid it in reaching vegetation and fruits, it feeds mostly on trees which have branches thick enough to support its weight. It is able to stretch its fore body considerably, increasing its reach. Vegetation is cropped and shredded with its large muscular radula, which bears multiple rows on crenulated, rectangular teeth. Limacotheres exude bitter poisonous mucus all over their body, and can froth large amounts of this secretion when they are threatened by a predator. This same mucus is very thick and almost waxy in consistency, helping to prevent the animal from drying out. Females lay clutches of very sticky, pearl-sized eggs on shady branches in the wet season. There is a large, many-folded lung contained under the mantle, which must remain moist.
Ancestor: Leopard Slug (Limax maximus)
In the wet tropical rainforests of the Eurafrican fragment, the trees are inhabitated by a large molluscan herbivore, the limacothere. This slug reaches 1 meter long, and has a long flexible fore body to aid it in reaching vegetation and fruits, it feeds mostly on trees which have branches thick enough to support its weight. It is able to stretch its fore body considerably, increasing its reach. Vegetation is cropped and shredded with its large muscular radula, which bears multiple rows on crenulated, rectangular teeth. Limacotheres exude bitter poisonous mucus all over their body, and can froth large amounts of this secretion when they are threatened by a predator. This same mucus is very thick and almost waxy in consistency, helping to prevent the animal from drying out. Females lay clutches of very sticky, pearl-sized eggs on shady branches in the wet season. There is a large, many-folded lung contained under the mantle, which must remain moist.
Five-footed Hopper (Terrichthys saltator)
Ancestor: Rock Goby (Gobius paganellus)
Though fish are reduced in diversity, adverse conditions have served some species well. Hoppers are fish which are able to live on land almost indefinitely, so long as the air remains moist. Its small gill openings conceal gills which can remain wet for days at a time without replenishing. As such, these fish are only found in the wettest patches of riverine rainforest, in the Eurafrican rament. Their bodies barely resemble fish at all, the fins have become spade-like limbs which are used for walking and digging, and the tail forms a coiled, leg-like organ which allows them to skip and hop much like a frog. Measuring up to 35 centimetres at full length, they prey on smaller invertebrates and reptiles, which they hunt by lying in ambush. Hoppers are only marginally tied to the water, every few days they will return to a pond or creek to fully wet their gills, and they can also respire through their moist leathery skin, much like a frog. Both sexes dig large burrows at the centre of their territory, which are kept moist, females will brood their eggs in a flooded burrow in the wet season, much as a mudskipper does.
Ancestor: Rock Goby (Gobius paganellus)
Though fish are reduced in diversity, adverse conditions have served some species well. Hoppers are fish which are able to live on land almost indefinitely, so long as the air remains moist. Its small gill openings conceal gills which can remain wet for days at a time without replenishing. As such, these fish are only found in the wettest patches of riverine rainforest, in the Eurafrican rament. Their bodies barely resemble fish at all, the fins have become spade-like limbs which are used for walking and digging, and the tail forms a coiled, leg-like organ which allows them to skip and hop much like a frog. Measuring up to 35 centimetres at full length, they prey on smaller invertebrates and reptiles, which they hunt by lying in ambush. Hoppers are only marginally tied to the water, every few days they will return to a pond or creek to fully wet their gills, and they can also respire through their moist leathery skin, much like a frog. Both sexes dig large burrows at the centre of their territory, which are kept moist, females will brood their eggs in a flooded burrow in the wet season, much as a mudskipper does.
Plunderfly (Tyrannodiptera gigas)
Ancestor: Robber Fly (Machimus sp)
The skies hum with legions of predatory insects at this time, and some of them are giant. Plunderflies are huge predatory descendants of the robber fly, which can attain a wingspan of up to 40 centimetres. It seizes prey with large raptorial forelimbs, which have large hooked claws like a mantis. Eyesight is superb, and they always catch prey on the wing, later settling to suck it dry with their stabbing mouthparts. Plunderflies are extremely fast and acrobatic fliers, and often catch prey without even being noticed. Respiration is active, with large bellows-like spiracles which lead to labyrinthine respiratory tracts inside. Not alone in the air, predatory hornets as large as blackbirds are its main competition. Prey items include small reptiles, fish and neotenous frogs, as well as un-armoured arthropods of various kinds.
Ancestor: Robber Fly (Machimus sp)
The skies hum with legions of predatory insects at this time, and some of them are giant. Plunderflies are huge predatory descendants of the robber fly, which can attain a wingspan of up to 40 centimetres. It seizes prey with large raptorial forelimbs, which have large hooked claws like a mantis. Eyesight is superb, and they always catch prey on the wing, later settling to suck it dry with their stabbing mouthparts. Plunderflies are extremely fast and acrobatic fliers, and often catch prey without even being noticed. Respiration is active, with large bellows-like spiracles which lead to labyrinthine respiratory tracts inside. Not alone in the air, predatory hornets as large as blackbirds are its main competition. Prey items include small reptiles, fish and neotenous frogs, as well as un-armoured arthropods of various kinds.
Catpole (Ichthyorana siluroides)
Ancestor: marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)
Fish are lower in diversity in the Ultimozoic, and face considerable competition from large predatory worms, and from various kinds of neotenous frogs. The catpole is one such species, a 25 centimeter long riverine predator, feeding on many kinds of small invertebrates and fishes. These neotenous frogs retain a tadpole-like shape throughout their lives, even when they reproduce. Their tail and hind legs resemble the fins of a fish, and they are completely aquatic. Gills are internal, and they have a fair amount of stamina, swimming around briskly in search of small prey. Large strings of eggs are laid in the wet season, but adults will often consume the eggs of other individuals.
Ancestor: marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)
Fish are lower in diversity in the Ultimozoic, and face considerable competition from large predatory worms, and from various kinds of neotenous frogs. The catpole is one such species, a 25 centimeter long riverine predator, feeding on many kinds of small invertebrates and fishes. These neotenous frogs retain a tadpole-like shape throughout their lives, even when they reproduce. Their tail and hind legs resemble the fins of a fish, and they are completely aquatic. Gills are internal, and they have a fair amount of stamina, swimming around briskly in search of small prey. Large strings of eggs are laid in the wet season, but adults will often consume the eggs of other individuals.
Cow-beetle (Hoplocoleoptera bovinus)
Ancestor: June Beetle (Cotinis nitida)
Herbivorous insects at this time reach an impressive size. The flightless cow-beetle is a heavily armoured insect with fused elytra and atrophied wings, reaching 40 centimetres in leg span with a body as large as a grapefruit. This species is found across the forests and scrublands of the American fragment, but similar species can be found on other subcontinents, all descended from a flying ancestor about as long as a man’s index finger. The body and limbs are heavily armoured, anchoring large muscles, though these animals move relatively slowly. Respiration in many of these giant insects is far more advanced than in living insects, with winding extensions of the interior of the spiracles lining the inside of the abdomen. Cow-beetles feed on leaves and stems of almost all kinds, and generally congregate in large crawling swarms.
Ancestor: June Beetle (Cotinis nitida)
Herbivorous insects at this time reach an impressive size. The flightless cow-beetle is a heavily armoured insect with fused elytra and atrophied wings, reaching 40 centimetres in leg span with a body as large as a grapefruit. This species is found across the forests and scrublands of the American fragment, but similar species can be found on other subcontinents, all descended from a flying ancestor about as long as a man’s index finger. The body and limbs are heavily armoured, anchoring large muscles, though these animals move relatively slowly. Respiration in many of these giant insects is far more advanced than in living insects, with winding extensions of the interior of the spiracles lining the inside of the abdomen. Cow-beetles feed on leaves and stems of almost all kinds, and generally congregate in large crawling swarms.
Pikeworm (Tyrannovermis phobos)
Ancestor: Bobbit Worm (Eunice aphroditois)
The pikeworm is a common freshwater predator in the American continental fragment, with similar members of the genus found on the other continental fragments, primarily due to their larva being marine. 2 meters long and as thick as a man’s arm; they are fearful predators with wicked mouthparts for grabbing fish, amphibians and other worms. Pikeworm swim by undulating their body, simultaneously rowing with their large parapodia, thus they are able to make a quick dash from ambush to catch their prey. Spawning occurs at the mouths of rivers in the wet season, when outflow will wash the larvae out to sea.
Ancestor: Bobbit Worm (Eunice aphroditois)
The pikeworm is a common freshwater predator in the American continental fragment, with similar members of the genus found on the other continental fragments, primarily due to their larva being marine. 2 meters long and as thick as a man’s arm; they are fearful predators with wicked mouthparts for grabbing fish, amphibians and other worms. Pikeworm swim by undulating their body, simultaneously rowing with their large parapodia, thus they are able to make a quick dash from ambush to catch their prey. Spawning occurs at the mouths of rivers in the wet season, when outflow will wash the larvae out to sea.
Beaked Whelpuggle (Myopotherium subterraneus)
Ancestor: House Mouse (Mus musculus)
On the surface, it appears that the mammals have finally become extinct, but in the forests of the Autralasian continental fragment, hides the very last, almost degenerate-looking mammal. Beaked Whelpuggles are rodents about as long as a man’s hand, though they are blind and eyeless, with large beak-like jaws formed from the incisors. They burrow underground continuously like a mole, in search of worms and beetle grubs, which they seek out by sensing vibrations, and by smell. Prey is seized and chopped up with the large incisors, and these animals can consume their weight in invertebrates in a single day. Females give birth to litters of up to 7 well developed pups, which grow quickly and become independent within 2 months.
Ancestor: House Mouse (Mus musculus)
On the surface, it appears that the mammals have finally become extinct, but in the forests of the Autralasian continental fragment, hides the very last, almost degenerate-looking mammal. Beaked Whelpuggles are rodents about as long as a man’s hand, though they are blind and eyeless, with large beak-like jaws formed from the incisors. They burrow underground continuously like a mole, in search of worms and beetle grubs, which they seek out by sensing vibrations, and by smell. Prey is seized and chopped up with the large incisors, and these animals can consume their weight in invertebrates in a single day. Females give birth to litters of up to 7 well developed pups, which grow quickly and become independent within 2 months.
Whaleworm (Cetivermis colossaeus)
Ancestor: Bobbit Worm (Euncice aphroditois)
Tropical oceans globally play host to the largest worm to ever exist, whaleworms reach up to 10 meters long. These huge, multi-finned creatures are able to grow so large because of their ridged, wrinkled reddish skin which affords a high surface area for passive respiration, along with the surfaces of its large flippers. They swim with rippling motions of their large fin-shaped parapodia, and can put on a decent turn of speed when pursuing prey, which is usually other kinds of large marine worm, or fishes and shrimp. Spawning occurs in the summer, where they congregate in large numbers to release their gametes in big gelatinous masses.
Ancestor: Bobbit Worm (Euncice aphroditois)
Tropical oceans globally play host to the largest worm to ever exist, whaleworms reach up to 10 meters long. These huge, multi-finned creatures are able to grow so large because of their ridged, wrinkled reddish skin which affords a high surface area for passive respiration, along with the surfaces of its large flippers. They swim with rippling motions of their large fin-shaped parapodia, and can put on a decent turn of speed when pursuing prey, which is usually other kinds of large marine worm, or fishes and shrimp. Spawning occurs in the summer, where they congregate in large numbers to release their gametes in big gelatinous masses.
mass extinction
Mass Extinction - 550 million years hence - Mid Ultimozoic era
A large supernova relatively close to earth causes the final great mass extinction, damaging the atmosphere and making the climate much more hostile. The giant arthropods go extinct, leaving only small hardy invertebrates, as well as the last fish and reptiles. This penultimate blow reduces animal life to its bare vestiges, where only the pugnacious and extremely hardy would ever thrive.
A large supernova relatively close to earth causes the final great mass extinction, damaging the atmosphere and making the climate much more hostile. The giant arthropods go extinct, leaving only small hardy invertebrates, as well as the last fish and reptiles. This penultimate blow reduces animal life to its bare vestiges, where only the pugnacious and extremely hardy would ever thrive.