Filtermaer

The filtermaer split from its ancestor, the maer, and became macroscopic. It remains fairly similar to its ancestor, except for several key differences: primarily, the length of its 'roots' has increased as they are now used to filter nutrients out of the ocean current. The 'roots' are covered with microscopic pores that strain various nutrients from the water, lending it an edge over the more simplistic but faster-reproducing glasspheres. In addition, the filtermaer has advanced its reproduction system. Rather than simply floating up above the waves and disintegrating, it now contains its spores in bubble-like bulges on its top. These increase surface area, helping to obtain more sunlight. When the bubbles become large enough, they detach, floating away and bursting after about a day. This system of reproduction allows the filtermaer to reproduce multiple times, but its reproduction is still not as fast as that of the glasspheres due to their lower level of complexity and specialization.