600 million years hence
Stop eleven – 600 million years hence – Mid Ultimozoic era
Earth’s ecosystems are severely reduced, and slowly but surely dying off. The atmosphere is depleted, the oceans have partly evaporated and the climate is very hot and hostile. Most of the land is parched rocky desert but some tough herbs, grass, fungi and molds grow in unexposed or elevated areas, almost looking like moss. The continents are unrecognisable, large fragments of the once great Pangaea Ultima. There are 3 main biomes remaining, one is a terrestrial ecosystem that centres on land around poles and at higher elevations, it is here the last terrestrial animals and plants find refuge. Drying saline lakes and ponds occur in the lowlands and towards the remaining oceans, here saline tolerant fish, worms, crustacean and snails feed on algae, microbial films and each other. The remaining oceans play host to an ecosystem of bottom-dwellers that thrive on detritus, microbial films and algal slime, animals here reach up to 20 centimetres, including crustaceans, tardigrades, and worms.
The only remaining terrestrial vertebrates are some small species descended from lizards, armoured significantly against the harsh solar radiation. Tardigrades have a renaissance, with shrew-sized predatory and grazing forms being relatively common, and thriving in places that periodically dry up. There are also specialised kinds of aquatic and marine tardigrade. Other land creatures include congealing slime moulds and tough kinds of beetle, crablike armoured spiders are the dominant predators. Saline lakes and pools play host to salt-resistant barnacles, snails and crabs, as well as the last fish. The oceans are retreating, but the shallow ocean floor harbours various kinds of invertebrates, some larger than the kinds on land.
These ephermeral ecosystems are the last gasp of the world’s ecology. Soon as the temperature soars and the atmosphere becomes more hostile, animal life will dwindle further and further, before disappearing altogether.
Earth’s ecosystems are severely reduced, and slowly but surely dying off. The atmosphere is depleted, the oceans have partly evaporated and the climate is very hot and hostile. Most of the land is parched rocky desert but some tough herbs, grass, fungi and molds grow in unexposed or elevated areas, almost looking like moss. The continents are unrecognisable, large fragments of the once great Pangaea Ultima. There are 3 main biomes remaining, one is a terrestrial ecosystem that centres on land around poles and at higher elevations, it is here the last terrestrial animals and plants find refuge. Drying saline lakes and ponds occur in the lowlands and towards the remaining oceans, here saline tolerant fish, worms, crustacean and snails feed on algae, microbial films and each other. The remaining oceans play host to an ecosystem of bottom-dwellers that thrive on detritus, microbial films and algal slime, animals here reach up to 20 centimetres, including crustaceans, tardigrades, and worms.
The only remaining terrestrial vertebrates are some small species descended from lizards, armoured significantly against the harsh solar radiation. Tardigrades have a renaissance, with shrew-sized predatory and grazing forms being relatively common, and thriving in places that periodically dry up. There are also specialised kinds of aquatic and marine tardigrade. Other land creatures include congealing slime moulds and tough kinds of beetle, crablike armoured spiders are the dominant predators. Saline lakes and pools play host to salt-resistant barnacles, snails and crabs, as well as the last fish. The oceans are retreating, but the shallow ocean floor harbours various kinds of invertebrates, some larger than the kinds on land.
These ephermeral ecosystems are the last gasp of the world’s ecology. Soon as the temperature soars and the atmosphere becomes more hostile, animal life will dwindle further and further, before disappearing altogether.
Fauna
Marble-Beetle (Spherochelys reflecta)
Ancestor: Common Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha)
Relatively unexposed upland areas form sparse meadows covered in a coarse, moss-like carpet of hardy plants. Feeding on these plants are various beetles, the most common being from the Spherochelys genus. These beetles can be found widely on the planet, being able to spread far and wide because they have an extra stage to their life cycle. The grubs have tough cuticles, and burrow just below the surface; eventually they pupate and become young beetles. These young beetles are fully able to fly, and disperse to any favourable feeding grounds over a considerable distance. Its final form has rounded, fused elytra to retain water, and cannot fly. Adult have a silvery, reflective lustre, to protect them for the sun. In favourable habitats, large numbers of these marble-sized beetles can be found chewing hungrily on the stubbly vegetation.
Ancestor: Common Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha)
Relatively unexposed upland areas form sparse meadows covered in a coarse, moss-like carpet of hardy plants. Feeding on these plants are various beetles, the most common being from the Spherochelys genus. These beetles can be found widely on the planet, being able to spread far and wide because they have an extra stage to their life cycle. The grubs have tough cuticles, and burrow just below the surface; eventually they pupate and become young beetles. These young beetles are fully able to fly, and disperse to any favourable feeding grounds over a considerable distance. Its final form has rounded, fused elytra to retain water, and cannot fly. Adult have a silvery, reflective lustre, to protect them for the sun. In favourable habitats, large numbers of these marble-sized beetles can be found chewing hungrily on the stubbly vegetation.
Tardothere (Tardosorex gigas)
Ancestor: Tardigrade (Milnesium tardigradum)
As the ecosystems of earth have become far more hostile, unique groups have arisen. During this time, tardigrades visible to the naked eye are common, and have an advantage due to being able to survive complete desiccation via cryptobiosis. At 4.5 centimetres long, the tardothere is the largest tardigrade to be found on land, and is a fierce predator of small insects and their larva, as well as smaller tardigrades. It is plated with a tough cuticle to protect it when it is active, and the mouth is adorned with large spikes that allow it to catch and crudely chew up its prey. Tardotheres can move relatively fast compared to most of their prey, and will seek shade when not hunting. During times of extreme heat or drought, they willingly go into the self-desiccated hibernation typical of most tardigrades, in this state, they can last decades. Females lay clusters of up to 10 eggs inside their shed cuticle, multiple times a year.
Ancestor: Tardigrade (Milnesium tardigradum)
As the ecosystems of earth have become far more hostile, unique groups have arisen. During this time, tardigrades visible to the naked eye are common, and have an advantage due to being able to survive complete desiccation via cryptobiosis. At 4.5 centimetres long, the tardothere is the largest tardigrade to be found on land, and is a fierce predator of small insects and their larva, as well as smaller tardigrades. It is plated with a tough cuticle to protect it when it is active, and the mouth is adorned with large spikes that allow it to catch and crudely chew up its prey. Tardotheres can move relatively fast compared to most of their prey, and will seek shade when not hunting. During times of extreme heat or drought, they willingly go into the self-desiccated hibernation typical of most tardigrades, in this state, they can last decades. Females lay clusters of up to 10 eggs inside their shed cuticle, multiple times a year.
Squazard (Squamobestia nanus)
Ancestor: Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
The very last kind of land vertebrate are members of the squazard lineage. These heavily-plated lizards reach a maximum of only 9 centimetres, and are the apex predators wherever they occur. Their bodies are covered in extensive heavy scales, which are shiny to deflect excessive radiation from the sun, which might otherwise harm them. Being ectodermic, they mostly thrive in this scorching world, though they must be careful to not overheat and die of exposure. Found mostly in sparsely vegetated uplands, they consume insects and tardigrades of various kinds, and even the young of other squazards. Females lay a clutch of up to 5 large eggs in a deep burrow, shedding excess body heat to keep them warm periodically. Squazards have a stance which is more advanced than modern lizards, and indeed this enables them to overtake the majority of its prey over any distance.
Ancestor: Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
The very last kind of land vertebrate are members of the squazard lineage. These heavily-plated lizards reach a maximum of only 9 centimetres, and are the apex predators wherever they occur. Their bodies are covered in extensive heavy scales, which are shiny to deflect excessive radiation from the sun, which might otherwise harm them. Being ectodermic, they mostly thrive in this scorching world, though they must be careful to not overheat and die of exposure. Found mostly in sparsely vegetated uplands, they consume insects and tardigrades of various kinds, and even the young of other squazards. Females lay a clutch of up to 5 large eggs in a deep burrow, shedding excess body heat to keep them warm periodically. Squazards have a stance which is more advanced than modern lizards, and indeed this enables them to overtake the majority of its prey over any distance.
Crabbider (Carcinarachne rapax)
Ancestor: Domestic House Spider (Tegenaria domestica)
Other fierce predators include spiders such as the crabbider. This spider has a tough exoskeleton, and its body measures up to 6 centimetres long. Outwardly they almost resemble a crab, in having nipping claws and a carapace-like body. Like crabs, they dig a burrow at the centre of their territory, which they retreat into during harsh conditions. Crabbiders catch prey with their claw-like pedipalps and subdue it with their venomous fangs. They are able to scuttle relatively quickly after their prey, which includes other insects, tardigrades and young squazards. Females lay bundles of large eggs in burrow nests during any part of the year when temperatures drop.
Ancestor: Domestic House Spider (Tegenaria domestica)
Other fierce predators include spiders such as the crabbider. This spider has a tough exoskeleton, and its body measures up to 6 centimetres long. Outwardly they almost resemble a crab, in having nipping claws and a carapace-like body. Like crabs, they dig a burrow at the centre of their territory, which they retreat into during harsh conditions. Crabbiders catch prey with their claw-like pedipalps and subdue it with their venomous fangs. They are able to scuttle relatively quickly after their prey, which includes other insects, tardigrades and young squazards. Females lay bundles of large eggs in burrow nests during any part of the year when temperatures drop.
Phototard (Phytotardigrada chloris)
Ancestor: Tardigrade (Hypsibius dujardini)
Saline ponds and lakes occur in the lowlands, part of the ever decreasing waters levels at this time. In these briny sunlit pools, algae are relatively common, and one aquatic tardigrade has learned to take advantage of it. Phototards sequester the algae inside their body and rely on its photosynthesis as their main source of food. These 3 centimetre long creatures sport lobes on their backs which usually contain colonies of algae, which turn sunlight into sugars and nutrients which feed the animal. They are still able to self desiccate and enter cryptobiosis, but as soon as they revive, they search for a new source of algae to replenish their supplies. Their mouth is grown over during long periods when they have ample supplies of algae, and re-emerges when it needs to top up its reserves. Young are able to consume algae as soon as they hatch, as their mother’s shed cuticle usually contains some traces of its own supply left behind.
Ancestor: Tardigrade (Hypsibius dujardini)
Saline ponds and lakes occur in the lowlands, part of the ever decreasing waters levels at this time. In these briny sunlit pools, algae are relatively common, and one aquatic tardigrade has learned to take advantage of it. Phototards sequester the algae inside their body and rely on its photosynthesis as their main source of food. These 3 centimetre long creatures sport lobes on their backs which usually contain colonies of algae, which turn sunlight into sugars and nutrients which feed the animal. They are still able to self desiccate and enter cryptobiosis, but as soon as they revive, they search for a new source of algae to replenish their supplies. Their mouth is grown over during long periods when they have ample supplies of algae, and re-emerges when it needs to top up its reserves. Young are able to consume algae as soon as they hatch, as their mother’s shed cuticle usually contains some traces of its own supply left behind.
Benthotard (Gigantigrada natans)
Ancestor: Tardigrade (Batillipes sp)
The largest of this new wave of tardigrade occurs in the shallow remnants of the oceans. At 10 centimetres long, the benthotard is a fairly mobile creature which feeds on marine detritus and small animals. It can walk and clamber on the sea floor, in any place that is not too hyper saline, and it is also able to swim quite well from place to place. Its mouth contains a short proboscis which can envelop small prey items as well as pieces of carrion.
Ancestor: Tardigrade (Batillipes sp)
The largest of this new wave of tardigrade occurs in the shallow remnants of the oceans. At 10 centimetres long, the benthotard is a fairly mobile creature which feeds on marine detritus and small animals. It can walk and clamber on the sea floor, in any place that is not too hyper saline, and it is also able to swim quite well from place to place. Its mouth contains a short proboscis which can envelop small prey items as well as pieces of carrion.
Periscope Shrimp (Cyclopecaris biocularis)
Ancestor: Bruces Hinge-beak Prawn (Rhynchocinetes brucei)
On the floor of this briny, drying sea dwell a variety of hardy crustaceans, such as the periscope shrimp. This 12 centimetre tall shrimp is somewhat modified compared to its ancestor, as it has lost its propulsive tail, crawling like a crab. These animals will spend long periods hidden in the sediment, with just their periscope-like eyestalks showing, they are not averse to even hyper saline conditions. When the water is calm and there is little danger, they clamber about in search of carrion, detritus and small animals to feed on. Females brood a clutch of large eggs in burrows in shallower waters, during the “cooler” part of the year.
Ancestor: Bruces Hinge-beak Prawn (Rhynchocinetes brucei)
On the floor of this briny, drying sea dwell a variety of hardy crustaceans, such as the periscope shrimp. This 12 centimetre tall shrimp is somewhat modified compared to its ancestor, as it has lost its propulsive tail, crawling like a crab. These animals will spend long periods hidden in the sediment, with just their periscope-like eyestalks showing, they are not averse to even hyper saline conditions. When the water is calm and there is little danger, they clamber about in search of carrion, detritus and small animals to feed on. Females brood a clutch of large eggs in burrows in shallower waters, during the “cooler” part of the year.
Row-worm (Vermicaris anomala)
Ancestor: Bobbit Worm (Euncice aphroditois)
Some relatives of the pikeworm remained quite small, and reduced their number of segments, as the Ultimozoic wore on; they have given rise to creatures like the row-worm. This 20 centimetre long worm almost resembles a shrimp, or the long gone Opabinia, it is a fast-swimming predator with wicked mouthparts mounted on the end of a long proboscis. It has large oar-like parapodia which can propel it quite quickly, thought the majority of its prey is slower than itself. Indeed, the biggest danger to a row-worm is another row-worm, particularly if you are a juvenile, so speed is sometimes required.
Ancestor: Bobbit Worm (Euncice aphroditois)
Some relatives of the pikeworm remained quite small, and reduced their number of segments, as the Ultimozoic wore on; they have given rise to creatures like the row-worm. This 20 centimetre long worm almost resembles a shrimp, or the long gone Opabinia, it is a fast-swimming predator with wicked mouthparts mounted on the end of a long proboscis. It has large oar-like parapodia which can propel it quite quickly, thought the majority of its prey is slower than itself. Indeed, the biggest danger to a row-worm is another row-worm, particularly if you are a juvenile, so speed is sometimes required.
Floraster (Crinoaster anthozooa)
Ancestor: Common Sea Star (Asterias rubens)
Evolution has produced new innovations, even at this late stage of earth’s animal life. Floraster are a kind of starfish that has come to resemble a stalked crinoid, one specialized arm has come to function as a stalk, the end of which has large tube feet to cling to rocks. It sits in wait for any detritus and small sea creatures to be caught by its long feeding arms. As soon as anything is caught, it everts its proboscis-like stomach to digest its food. Florasters generally grow in clusters, spaced out so as to minimize competition.
Ancestor: Common Sea Star (Asterias rubens)
Evolution has produced new innovations, even at this late stage of earth’s animal life. Floraster are a kind of starfish that has come to resemble a stalked crinoid, one specialized arm has come to function as a stalk, the end of which has large tube feet to cling to rocks. It sits in wait for any detritus and small sea creatures to be caught by its long feeding arms. As soon as anything is caught, it everts its proboscis-like stomach to digest its food. Florasters generally grow in clusters, spaced out so as to minimize competition.
extinction
Extinction of the last animals - 800 myh – close of the Ultimozoic
All multicellular life is extinguished, after having gradually dwindled to a few invertebrate species in isolated refuges. Most surface water has been evaporated into the atmosphere by the growing, ever hotter sun. The earth’s atmosphere resembles that of Venus, constant blowing storms of mud, dust and water vapour. Plate tectonics is slowing and will eventually stop. Gasses are escaping the atmosphere, making respiration almost impossible.
All multicellular life is extinguished, after having gradually dwindled to a few invertebrate species in isolated refuges. Most surface water has been evaporated into the atmosphere by the growing, ever hotter sun. The earth’s atmosphere resembles that of Venus, constant blowing storms of mud, dust and water vapour. Plate tectonics is slowing and will eventually stop. Gasses are escaping the atmosphere, making respiration almost impossible.