Cloud Sweeper

The cloud sweeper split from its ancestor the windglobe. The coastal winds blew many windglobes high into the atmosphere. Most died or fell back down to the beach, however some with larger balloons remained in the air and evolved into the cloud sweeper. Its roots have grown bristles to filter the air. When passing through clouds it will absorb water and any microbes that live within them. These microbes give precious nutrients. Like their ancestors they produce hydrogen from water which keeps them afloat.

They have developed budding cells along the bottom of the air sacs. When mature enough they will detach and filter clouds like their parents. Those that survive will grow big enough to spawn more. Since their roots have bristles those who crash on the ground cannot absorb soil and will die. Only those with large balloons and light roots will survive those that are too heavy are doomed to crash into the land or sea.