Croriss

From Sagan 4 Alpha Wiki

Croriss
(Aegiflora gigantus)
Main image of Croriss
Species is extant.
Information
CreatorSolpimr Other
Week/Generation26/165
HabitatDrake Boreal, Drake Rocky, Drake Temperate Woodland
Size40 cm long
Primary MobilitySessile, Ectosymbiotic Transport
SupportCell Wall (Chitin), spongy interior structure
DietPhotosynthesis, Sangruivore (Inzcrek)
RespirationPassive (Stomata, Symbiotic Gas Exchange with Inzcrek)
ThermoregulationEctotherm (Basking)
ReproductionSexual (Spores, Conjugation)
Taxonomy
Domain
Kingdom
Subkingdom
Division
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Eukaryota
Binucleozoa
Crystallozoa (info)
Cavacrystalita
Coelocrystalla
Caridophylagales
Spiculiscutaceae
Aegiflora
Aegiflora gigantus
Ancestor:Descendants:

The croriss split from its ancestor and lives in close symbiosis with the Inzcrek. The croriss is composed of a Shield-like base with leaf like needles extending upwards. The base is honeycombed with chambers and passages making it lighter than it may appear. Many of these cavities are filled with air, but some are home to vascularized tendrils of inzcrek flesh which act as an actively pumped circulatory system for the croriss. The croriss will take nutrients and carbon dioxide from the inzcrek's blood stream and release oxygen and excess sugars. The growth of these tendrils is directed to were it is most beneficial by hormonal signals from the croriss. The air trapped by this porous structure also makes the croriss a good insulator, allowing it to keep its symboint warm.

The roots of the croriss extend into the inzcrek's body as well to both anchor itself and further integrate with the inzcrek. Notably, these roots extend into the inzcrek's reproductive system were they terminate in spore-producing tissues alongside the male gonads. During the inzcrek's mating theses spores will be released along with the sperm. Another set of roots extends into the uterus and the spores bond with these concurrently with the inzcrek's eggs being fertilized. These roots engage in conjugation with the spores producing genetically distinct daughter cells which elongate into hair-like structures. These hairs then attach to the developing embryos and form a placental analog. This placenta-like structure will eventually detach from the parent and develop into the base of a new croriss.

The spread of the inzcrek and croriss has also lead to the spread of the crystank flasprout to Drake Boreal, Drake Rocky and Drake Temperate Woodland. In response to damage the croriss releases a chemical signal causing the crystank flasprouts near the injury to flash brightly in unison. This can startle a predator and give the inzcrek time to flee. The inzcrek's tendrils are also sensitive to this distress signal, allowing it to feel when the croriss is damaged.