Dockshrog: Difference between revisions
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|thermoregulation=Endotherm (Fur)
|reproduction=Sexual (Male and Female, Live Birth, Placental, Pouch and Milk
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|genus=Lutrasorex
|species=denavale
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==Reproduction==
Like its ancestor, the dockshrog is naturally monogamous. The odd "broken" pattern of its osteoderms is the result of sexual selection, as the emphasis of shoulders and hips creates an illusion of greater upper body strength, which is an important trait in a shrog. The facial osteoderms also play a role in attraction. Though monogamous, dockshrogs are also willing to break up with their mates and find a new one, which results in mating rivalry extending beyond younger males. A newly
Like most other [[tamjacks]], the dockshrog is placental but retains a pouch. Its more restricted habitat range and higher population density means it no longer has to produce an excessive number of young; instead, it only produces one or two at a time. It gestates for half a year, more similar to basal tamjacks, and carries newborns in a pouch. Though the newborns are not permanently attached to a nipple like a baby marsupial, the pouch effectively swaddles them and allows them to be carried without restricting the mother's movement. The tails of newborns, though already flat and keratinous, lack serrations and can bend easily, preventing them from injuring their mother. Juveniles can leave the pouch only 2 months after birth, but return to nurse until they are about 6 months old, at which point they are weaned. They can theoretically live independently by that age, but they remain close by and practice their construction and tool use abilities close to home until the age of 4 or 5 when their tail is no longer flexible enough for prolonged swimming. They reach full size at the age of 6, and if they do not find a suitable unrelated mate nearby, they may then disperse along the coast or across the island to other communities. They usually live to about 30 years, but with good health and luck can push 40.
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