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{{RandomExtant|Soricia|a shrew}}'''Shrews''' are creatures of the kingdom [[Carpozoa]] descended from the [[Shrew Lizard]]. Shrews in general bear several similarities to [[Wikipedia:Mammal|mammals]] on [[Wikipedia:Earth|Earth]]. They produce milk for their young just like mammals, and most species have a marsupium in which they raise their young. Most shrews, like the majority of Carpozoa, have six eyes, and all the shrews have at least a rudimentary sense of hearing inherited from the Shrew Lizard. The vast majority of extant species are warm-blooded, though they were ancestrally cold-blooded--endothermy evolved completely independently in furred shrews and bubbleskins. The only living cold-blooded shrews are the Soriparasites.
{{Group|image=Shrew Lizard.PNG|generation=64|taxon=Soricia|progenitor=Shrew Lizard|showcensus=true}}{{RandomExtant|Soricia|a shrew}}'''Shrews''' are creatures of the kingdom [[Carpozoa]] descended from the [[Shrew Lizard]]. Shrews in general bear several similarities to [[Wikipedia:Mammal|mammals]] on [[Wikipedia:Earth|Earth]]. They produce milk for their young just like mammals, and most species have a marsupium in which they raise their young. Most shrews, like the majority of Carpozoa, have six eyes, and all the shrews have at least a rudimentary sense of hearing inherited from the Shrew Lizard. The vast majority of extant species are warm-blooded, though they were ancestrally cold-blooded—endothermy evolved completely independently in furred shrews and bubbleskins. The only living cold-blooded shrews are the Soriparasites.


There are two major branches of Shrew, the furred shrews and the blood shrews. Furred shrews retain a fairly mammalian appearance, while blood shrews took on more varied appearances. Today, furred shrews are only represented by descendants of the [[Marine Tamow]] and the [[Beach Cheekhorn]] while blood shrews are only represented by the decidedly not-mammal-like Bubbleskins and Soriparasites.
There are two major branches of Shrew, the furred shrews and the blood shrews. Furred shrews retain a fairly mammalian appearance, while blood shrews took on more varied appearances. Today, furred shrews are predominantly represented by whiskered shrews (more specifically descendants of the [[Marine Tamow]] and the [[Beach Cheekhorn]]) while blood shrews are only represented by the decidedly not-mammal-like [[Bubbleskins]] and [[Soriparasites]].


==Anatomy==
==Anatomy==
Shrews typically have four limbs. Though they evolved from pentapeds, the tail remains flexible and tail-like, as it was in their direct ancestors. They typically have heterodont teeth, including pointed canine teeth. Most shrews have a pouch, generally located on the belly or between the legs, which is used to incubate their altricial young. They produce milk inside the pouch, which their offspring drink for nourishment. As spondylozoans, they typically have 6 eyes, and their nostrils are located on their faces, usually at or near the tip of the snout. Most modern shrews are warm-blooded with only a few cold-blooded species surviving to the present day, though naked cold-blooded shrews were commonplace prior to the ice age.
Shrews typically have four limbs. Though they evolved from pentapeds, the tail remains flexible and tail-like, as it was in their direct ancestors. They typically have heterodont teeth, including pointed canine teeth. Most shrews have a pouch, generally located on the belly or between the legs, which is used to incubate their altricial young. They produce milk inside the pouch, which their offspring drink for nourishment. As spondylozoans, they typically have 6 eyes, and their nostrils are located on their faces, usually at or near the tip of the snout. Most modern shrews are warm-blooded with only a few cold-blooded species surviving to the present day, though naked cold-blooded shrews were commonplace prior to the ice age.


Like other caudopodosaurs, shrews ancestrally had a single, backwards-pointing knee on each leg. Furred shrews and blood shrews independently modified their hind scapulas into additional limb segments, however, thus most living shrews have 2 knees. The only living shrews which retain the single knee are the soriparasites.
Like other caudopodosaurs, shrews ancestrally had a single, backwards-pointing knee on each leg. Whiskered shrews and blood shrews independently modified their hind scapulas into additional limb segments, however, thus most living shrews have 2 knees. The only living shrews which retain the single knee are the Soriparasites and modern shroots.


[[File:Hairy_Shrew.JPG|thumb|left|Fur first evolved in the [[Hairy Shrew]] in order to replace its less efficient blubber as its primary insulation.]]
[[File:Hairy_Shrew.JPG|thumb|left|Fur first evolved in the [[Hairy Shrew]] in order to replace its less efficient blubber as its primary insulation.]]
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Furred shrews, as their name suggests, have fur. This is similar to mammalian fur in that it is filamentous, made of keratin, and has a follicle. It provides insulation in a manner similar to fur, feathers, and setae on Earth.
Furred shrews, as their name suggests, have fur. This is similar to mammalian fur in that it is filamentous, made of keratin, and has a follicle. It provides insulation in a manner similar to fur, feathers, and setae on Earth.


[[File:Shipper_Buoyskin.png|thumb|The [[Shipper Buoyskin]] is an example of a Bubbleskin with especially prominent bubbles.]]Bubbleskins have a unique approach to insulation. Rather than fur, each of their keratinous scales has a hollow air-filled core. Though anatomically very different, they work on a similar principle--heat stays inside the body because it has difficulty being transferred through the air pockets in the bubbly scales.
[[File:Shipper_Buoyskin.png|thumb|The [[Shipper Buoyskin]] is an example of a Bubbleskin with especially prominent bubbles.]][[Bubbleskins]] have a unique approach to insulation. Rather than fur, each of their keratinous scales has a hollow air-filled core. Though anatomically very different, they work on a similar principle—heat stays inside the body because it has difficulty being transferred through the air pockets in the bubbly scales.


Basal shrews, including soriparasites, have scaly skin.
Basal shrews, including soriparasites, have scaly skin.
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[[File:Lemupus.jpg|thumb|The [[Lemupus]] had high intelligence, but its ability to utilize it was limited.]]Shrews have rarely developed high intelligence. Dromaeocanid shrews developed ape-like intelligence, but they were wiped out by the [[Shrew Plague]] and never produced a sapient species.
[[File:Lemupus.jpg|thumb|The [[Lemupus]] had high intelligence, but its ability to utilize it was limited.]]Shrews have rarely developed high intelligence. Dromaeocanid shrews developed ape-like intelligence, but they were wiped out by the [[Shrew Plague]] and never produced a sapient species.


The [[Beach Cheekhorn]] is roughly as smart as a pig, while the [[Marine Tamow]] seems to be at least as smart as a beaver. As these are the ancestors of living furred shrews, they are currently predisposed to higher intelligence than Terran mammals, though some such as neoshrews break this trend.
The [[Beach Cheekhorn]] is roughly as smart as a pig, while the [[Marine Tamow]] seems to be at least as smart as a beaver. As these are the ancestors of most living furred shrews, they are currently predisposed to higher intelligence than Terran mammals, though some such as neoshrews break this trend.


[[File:Twigfisher Shrog.png|thumb|left|The [[Twigfisher Shrog]] is an example of an intelligent Shrew capable of tool use.]]
[[File:Twigfisher Shrog.png|thumb|left|The [[Twigfisher Shrog]] is an example of an intelligent Shrew capable of tool use.]]
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==Breathing and Blood==
==Breathing and Blood==
Shrews have red, iron-based blood. Their have lungs and require air to breathe.
Shrews have red, iron-based blood. They have lungs and require air to breathe.


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==Diet & Energy==
==Diet & Energy==
Shrews have varied diets, with many being herbivores or omnivores. Blood shrews, including bubbleskins, were ancestrally hemophagus, as their name suggests.
Shrews have varied diets, with many being herbivores or omnivores. Blood shrews, including [[bubbleskins]], were ancestrally hemophagus, as their name suggests.


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The ancestors of shrews were the prosubigosaurs, the pentapedal line of terrestrial spondylozoa which also gave rise to the [[dweller]]s and the [[capis|capiris]].
The ancestors of shrews were the prosubigosaurs, the pentapedal line of terrestrial spondylozoa which also gave rise to the [[dweller]]s and the [[capis|capiris]].


[[Image:Shrew_Lizard.PNG|thumb|right|The [[Shrew Lizard]], the originator of the entire shrew line.]]True shrews originated in Glicker, first evolving in [[Generation 64]]. The first appearance of fur in what would become the furred shrews was in [[Generation 67]]. Blood shrews first evolved in [[Generation 69]], and the first Bubbleskin appeared in [[Generation 138]].
[[Image:Shrew_Lizard.PNG|thumb|right|The [[Shrew Lizard]], the originator of the entire shrew line.]]True shrews originated in Glicker, first evolving in [[Generation 64]]. The first appearance of fur in what would become the furred shrews was in [[Generation 67]]. Blood shrews first evolved in [[Generation 69]], and the first [[Bubbleskin]] appeared in [[Generation 138]].
[[File:Woolly_Shrew.JPG|thumb|left|The [[Woolly Shrew]] was the first Shrew to evolve a full coat of fur.]]
[[File:Woolly_Shrew.JPG|thumb|left|The [[Woolly Shrew]] was the first Shrew to evolve a full coat of fur.]]
===Early Shrews===
===Early Shrews===
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[[File:Joviglut.jpg|thumb|The [[Joviglut]] saw great success at diversifying following the ice comet impact event.]]
[[File:Joviglut.jpg|thumb|The [[Joviglut]] saw great success at diversifying following the ice comet impact event.]]
===The Ice Comet===
===The Ice Comet===
Countless shrews would meet their end at the [[Week 18|Somanian]]-[[Week 19|Raptorian]] boundary, as a global impact winter collapsed the food chain and all species over 1 meter perished. This also included all xolagoba-grade furred shrews despite their smaller size, as they depended on trees for survival. However, shortly before the impact event, the more terrestrial [[joviglut]] had evolved, which was able to weather through the impact winter. Meanwhile in Glicker, creepers and small shroots also made it through mostly unscathed, though shroots would vanish from a local extinction event, thus furred shrews were completely extirpated from the landmass.
Countless shrews would meet their end at the [[Week 18|Somanian]]-[[Week 19|Raptorian]] boundary, as a global impact winter collapsed the food chain and all species over 1 meter perished. This also included all xolagoba-grade furred shrews despite their smaller size, as they depended on trees for survival. However, shortly before the impact event, the more terrestrial [[joviglut]] had evolved, which was able to weather through the impact winter. Meanwhile, in Glicker, creepers and small shroots also made it through mostly unscathed, though shroots would vanish from a local extinction event everywhere outside the wetlands where they became isolated by competitive pressure, thus furred shrews were almost completely extirpated from the landmass.


The joviglut went on to diversify all over Wright, forming the 'glut' evolutionary grade distinguished from their ancestors by a long tail and a bare, wet nose. As the Wright supercontinent broke up, they also produced multiple saber-toothed predatory forms, including the [[guloglut]] of Barlowe which resembled a saber-toothed wolverine and the [[Saberden]] of Jaydoh which had powerful forelimbs, as well as herbivorous forms like the [[whiskerpick]] and [[icicleback]] which were the first shrews to have whiskers.[[File:Double-Nostril_Joviglut.png|thumb|left|The [[Double-Nostril Joviglut]] is one of the first known Shrews to exist solely on Jaydoh Island.]]
The joviglut went on to diversify all over Wright, forming the '[[glut]]' evolutionary grade distinguished from their ancestors by a long tail and a bare, wet nose. As the Wright supercontinent broke up, they also produced multiple saber-toothed predatory forms, including the [[guloglut]] of Barlowe which resembled a saber-toothed wolverine and the [[Saberden]] of Jaydoh which had powerful forelimbs, as well as herbivorous forms like the [[whiskerpick]] and [[icicleback]] which were the first shrews to have whiskers.[[File:Double-Nostril_Joviglut.png|thumb|left|The [[Double-Nostril Joviglut]] is one of the first known Shrews to exist solely on Jaydoh Island.]]
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[[File:Bubbleskin.jpg|thumb|Descendants of the [[Bubbleskin]] are among the only surviving representatives of the blood shrews, and the only remaining ones descended from the Night Gliders.]]
[[File:Bubbleskin.jpg|thumb|Descendants of the [[Bubbleskin]] are among the only surviving representatives of the blood shrews, and the only remaining ones descended from the Night Gliders.]]


===Ice Age===
===Ice Age===
When the ice age began, most blood shrews became extinct as it progressed, as they were cold-blooded and ill-suited to the changing climate. This pushed the evolution of the [[bubbleskin]], a lukewarm-blooded blood shrew which resembles something like a theropodal gorgonopsid covered in bubble wrap. Meanwhile, in Dixon and Barlowe--what was previously known as Wright--the warm-blooded furred shrews had greater success, taking over the continent.
When the ice age began, most blood shrews became extinct as it progressed, as they were cold-blooded and ill-suited to the changing climate. This pushed the evolution of the [[bubbleskin]], a lukewarm-blooded blood shrew which resembles something like a theropodal gorgonopsid covered in bubble wrap. Meanwhile, in Dixon and Barlowe—what was previously known as Wright—the warm-blooded furred shrews had greater success, taking over the continent.


When the ice age worsened into a snowball event, all Shrews went extinct except for the [[Whiskerpick]], the [[Bubbleskin]], the [[Desert Soriparasite]] (which remained isolated in its cave), and their respective descendants. When the ice receded, while Bubbleskins continued to diversify and thrive across different parts of the world, especially Drake and Vivus, the surviving furred shrews were restricted mostly to Jaydoh. Two small populations of [[Icicleback]]s actually survived in Barlowe, but they became extinct from habitat loss without producing descendants.
When the ice age worsened into a snowball event, all Shrews went extinct except for the whiskered shrews, the bubbleskins, the [[Desert Soriparasite]] (which remained isolated in its cave), the [[guloglut]], and the wetland velishroots. When the ice receded, the guloglut died out. While Bubbleskins continued to diversify and thrive across different parts of the world, especially Drake and Vivus, the surviving whiskered shrews were restricted mostly to Jaydoh. Two small populations of [[Icicleback]]s actually survived in Barlowe, but they became extinct from habitat loss without producing descendants.
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===Post-Thaw===
===Post-Thaw===
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[[File:Press-Tooth Bubbleskin.png|thumb|left|The [[Press-Toothed Bubbleskin]] is able to consume the innards of its prey by liquefying them with sheer pressure from its jaws.]]
[[File:Press-Tooth Bubbleskin.png|thumb|left|The [[Press-Toothed Bubbleskin]] is able to consume the innards of its prey by liquefying them with sheer pressure from its jaws.]]
====Blood Shrews: Bubbles and Lizards====
====Blood Shrews: Bubbles and Lizards====
Following the thaw, the bubbleskins--lukewarm-blooded, bipedal blood shrews--saw far greater success than their ancestors and split into two clades, the Drake bubbleskins of the north and the buoyskins of the south.
Following the thaw, the bubbleskins—lukewarm-blooded, bipedal blood shrews—saw far greater success than their ancestors and split into two clades, the Drake bubbleskins of the north and the buoyskins of the south.


The Drake bubbleskins diversified into raptor-like forms, some megafaunal. This included the first blood shrew to regain the ability to feed on parts of their prey other than blood--the press-toothed bubbleskin, which accomplishes this by simply squeezing its prey with its jaws until its innards are liquified by pressure alone. Sprinting bubbleskins also regained this ability independently, with the far simpler method of extracting softer, easily-processed body parts.
The Drake bubbleskins diversified into raptor-like forms, some megafaunal. This included the first blood shrew to regain the ability to feed on parts of their prey other than blood—the press-toothed bubbleskin, which accomplishes this by simply squeezing its prey with its jaws until its innards are liquified by pressure alone. Sprinting bubbleskins also regained this ability independently, with the far simpler method of extracting softer, easily processed body parts.


[[File:Lazarus Soriparasite.png|thumb|The [[Lazarus Soriparasite]] emerged from the caves after the ice age and gave rise to several lizard-like blood shrews.]]
[[File:Lazarus Soriparasite.png|thumb|The [[Lazarus Soriparasite]] emerged from the caves after the ice age and gave rise to several lizard-like blood shrews.]]
Buoyskins were initially semi-aquatic, but in the Blargian a branch of them returned to living on land full-time as raptor-like predators. Initially exclusive to Vivus island, as it collided with Darwin they invaded the mainland for a time--at least, until they started being beaten back by argusraptor saucebacks, leaving their future up in the air.
Buoyskins were initially semi-aquatic, but in the Blargian a branch of them returned to living on land full-time as raptor-like predators. Initially exclusive to Vivus island, as it collided with Darwin they invaded the mainland for a time—at least, until they started being beaten back by argusraptor saucebacks, leaving their future up in the air.


Bubbleskins were not the only blood shrews still alive after the ice age, however. In the Darthian period, soriparasites abruptly emerged from the Rabid Sandstone Caves in the form of the [[Lazarus Soriparasite]]. The most anatomically primitive Shrew still extant, it produced several descendants that either continued specializing on a parasitic path or took the relatively free real estate of being "reptiles"--as unlike their main competitors in that area, the [[turtsnappers]], they are pre-adapted for breeding on land. The more reptile-like soriparasites that ceased parasitic behavior are sometimes collectively called "sorites".
Bubbleskins were not the only blood shrews still alive after the ice age, however. In the Darthian period, soriparasites abruptly emerged from the Rabid Sandstone Caves in the form of the [[Lazarus Soriparasite]]. The most anatomically primitive Shrew still extant, it produced several descendants that either continued specializing on a parasitic path or took the relatively free real estate of being "reptiles"—as unlike their main competitors in that area, the [[turtsnappers]], they are pre-adapted for breeding on land. The more reptile-like soriparasites that ceased parasitic behavior are sometimes collectively called "sorites".
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[[File:Diorama052.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jaydoh Desert]] was home to many Shrew species following the end of the ice age.]]
[[File:Diorama052.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jaydoh Desert]] was home to many Shrew species following the end of the ice age.]]
====Furred Shrews: From Jaydoh to Conquest====
====Whiskered Shrews: From Jaydoh to Conquest====
[[File:Long-Horned_Quilltail.jpg|thumb|The [[Long-Horned Quilltail]] is an example of the megafaunal Shrews that evolved on Jaydoh after the ice age before it sank.]]
[[File:Long-Horned_Quilltail.jpg|thumb|The [[Long-Horned Quilltail]] is an example of the megafaunal Shrews that evolved on Jaydoh after the ice age before it sank.]]
As the ice thawed, shrews were isolated on Jaydoh island. Without influence from organisms on other landmasses, Jaydoh developed a unique assemblage of megafaunal shrews descended from the whiskerpick. There were two main native branches, the cheekhorns (which, as their name suggests, have horns on their cheeks) and the tams (which are armored).
As the ice thawed, whiskered shrews were isolated on Jaydoh island. Without influence from organisms on other landmasses, Jaydoh developed a unique assemblage of megafaunal shrews descended from the whiskerpick. There were two main native branches, the cheekhorns (which, as their name suggests, have horns on their cheeks) and the tams (which are armored).


A clade of semi-aquatic Shrews comparable to Terran beavers originated in Jaydoh and constructed floating nests to avoid their predators, the Jaydoh waxfaces (a clade of [[sauceback]]). They subsequently rafted across the ocean and spread to Dixon, Barlowe, and surrounding islands, and they didn't even actually succeed in escaping from the waxfaces because they learned to swim and hijack their nests. At around the same time, one of the megafaunal shrews shrank down and began to climb both cliffs and certain species of flora. This latter species, known as the [[Beach Cheekhorn]], would develop a relationship with the [[Tlukvaequabora]] and subsequently spread to Barlowe and Dixon. As the sea levels rose, Jaydoh eventually sank. When this happened, all furred shrews apart from descendants of the [[Marine Tamow]] and [[Beach Cheekhorn]] became extinct.
A clade of semi-aquatic Shrews comparable to Terran beavers originated in Jaydoh and constructed floating nests to avoid their predators, the Jaydoh waxfaces (a clade of [[sauceback]]). They subsequently rafted across the ocean and spread to Dixon, Barlowe, and surrounding islands, and they didn't even actually succeed in escaping from the waxfaces because they learned to swim and hijack their nests. At around the same time, one of the megafaunal shrews shrank down and began to climb both cliffs and certain species of flora. This latter species, known as the [[Beach Cheekhorn]], would develop a relationship with the [[Tlukvaequabora]] and subsequently spread to Barlowe and Dixon. As the sea levels rose, Jaydoh eventually sank. When this happened, all of Jaydoh's furred shrews apart from descendants of the [[Marine Tamow]] and [[Beach Cheekhorn]] became extinct.


[[File:Seafaring_bonk.png|thumb|left|A harmless collision between [[Marine Tamow]] and [[Tamjack]] nests. Floating nests like these saved tams from certain extinction, as they used them to raft away from Jaydoh Island before it sank.]]
[[File:Seafaring_bonk.png|thumb|left|A harmless collision between [[Marine Tamow]] and [[Tamjack]] nests. Floating nests like these saved tams from certain extinction, as they used them to raft away from Jaydoh Island before it sank.]]
This leaves [[Tam]]s and the [[Beach Cheekhorn]] as the two living groups of furred shrews, with the two groups going down different paths. While the [[Beach Cheekhorn]] remained uncommon and fell into irrelevance in the ecosystems it survived in, the Tams have since diversified into many new forms, primarily in the aforementioned Dixon and Barlowe.
This leaves [[Tam]]s and the [[Beach Cheekhorn]] as the two primary living groups of furred shrews, with the two groups going down different paths. While the [[Beach Cheekhorn]] remained uncommon and fell into irrelevance in the ecosystems it survived in, the Tams have since diversified into many new forms, primarily in the aforementioned Dixon and Barlowe.


The tams of Dixon, descended from the [[Pickaxe Tamow]], became lither and more traditionally mammal-like, even producing (terran) shrew-like forms--a morphological form that shrews had ironically never actually accomplished before. Dixon tams are difficult to categorize without paraphyly, but can be roughly sorted into basal nest-makers, predatory dog-like forms such as the [[tigmadar]], and the neoshrews, which also contain the twintails--small predatory shrews with two tails.
The tams of Dixon, descended from the [[Pickaxe Tamow]], became lither and more traditionally mammal-like, even producing (terran) shrew-like forms—a morphological form that shrews had ironically never actually accomplished before. Dixon tams are difficult to categorize without paraphyly, but can be roughly sorted into basal nest-makers, predatory dog-like forms such as the [[tigmadar]], and the neoshrews, which also contain the twintails—small predatory shrews with two tails.


The tams of Barlowe are generally more bulky, like their ancestors, with the exception of the lither, arboreal [[leemalla]]s. They also produced predatory saber-toothed forms with retractable sickle claws. The more basal herbivorous grade was previously diverse, even producing a form which could make simple pottery from sand and urine to store and pickle fruit, but the Zealandia-esque sinking of Barlowe whittled them down significantly.
The tams of Barlowe are generally more bulky, like their ancestors, with the exception of the lither, arboreal [[leemalla]]s. They also produced predatory saber-toothed forms with retractable sickle claws. The more basal herbivorous grade was previously diverse, even producing a form which could make simple pottery from sand and urine to store and pickle fruit, but the Zealandia-esque sinking of Barlowe whittled them down significantly.
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The original marine tamow remains extant, and has also more recently produced more basal offshoots, such as the [[Adorned Tamow]], the [[Quillmow]], and the [[Tamwodjir]] of the driftwood islands.
The original marine tamow remains extant, and has also more recently produced more basal offshoots, such as the [[Adorned Tamow]], the [[Quillmow]], and the [[Tamwodjir]] of the driftwood islands.

====Shroots: Obscurity to Victory====
[[File:Fragorishroot.png|thumb|The [[fragorishroot]] was shaped by the competitive pressure its ancestor survived under.]]The whiskered shrews were not the only furred shrews still extant after the snowball event, as miraculously [[shroot]]s managed to ride through it all and emerge unscathed. However, similar to Earth's multituberculate mammals, the shroots were held in place within the wetlands by competitive pressure until the Huckian period, where a combination of climate factors and new innovations in predatory saucebacks reduced the pressure being exerted on them by [[neonodent]]s. This caused shroots to almost abruptly emerge from the wetlands and reestablish themselves, even pushing out similarly sized tams, revealing that they had undergone dramatic change in order to hold their ground against competition for so long.


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Among extant shrews, most furred shrews are quadrupeds while most bubbleskins are bipeds. In general, similar to Terran mammals, Shrew locomotion is hind limb-powered.
Among extant shrews, most furred shrews are quadrupeds while most bubbleskins are bipeds. In general, similar to Terran mammals, Shrew locomotion is hind limb-powered.


Among aquatic Shrews, if they propel themselves with their tail they typically use an up-down motion. There are two notable exceptions to this general rule, however, where they instead use a left-right undulation like a Terran fish instead. The first and earliest case of this method of swimming are the shrotters which lasted from the beginning of the Allenian to the end of the Somanian, which was when they became extinct due to an ice comet impact event. The second case of an aquatic shrew using side to side locomotion of the tail is the [[shrogger]], a type of shrog that evolved in the late Bonoian.
Among aquatic Shrews, if they propel themselves with their tail they typically use an up-down motion. There are two notable exceptions to this general rule, however, where they instead use a left-right undulation like a Terran fish instead. The first and earliest case of this method of swimming are the [[shrotters]] which lasted from the beginning of the Allenian to the end of the Somanian, which was when they became extinct due to an ice comet impact event. The second case of an aquatic shrew using side to side locomotion of the tail is the [[shrogger]], a type of shrog that evolved in the late Bonoian.


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==Reproduction==
==Reproduction==
[[File:Kangashrew.jpg|thumb|Most Shrews brood their young in pouches, as seen in the [[Kangashrew]].]]Shrews ancestrally brooded fetal young inside a pouch and fed them milk, much like a Terran marsupial. A handful of branches, most notably the [[tamjacks]], have developed a placenta. Bubbleskins lost the ability to produce milk secondarily, instead feeding their offspring regurgitated blood. All shrews perform parental care, which has never been lost in any species.
[[File:Kangashrew.jpg|thumb|Most Shrews brood their young in pouches, as seen in the [[Kangashrew]].]]Shrews ancestrally brooded fetal young inside a pouch and fed them milk, much like a Terran marsupial. A handful of branches, most notably the [[tamjacks]], have developed a placenta. [[Bubbleskins]] lost the ability to produce milk secondarily, instead feeding their offspring regurgitated blood. All shrews perform parental care, which has never been lost in any species.


Ancestrally, shrews had internal testes and mated via cloacal kiss. This state is preserved in many basal species (excluding the [[cynovenator]], which has hemipenes) and all blood shrews (including [[bubbleskins]]). Most living furred shrews, however, have similar external reproductive anatomy to Terran eutherian mammals, including external testes. A notable exception to the latter is the [[tamjacks]], which re-evolved internal testes.
Ancestrally, shrews had internal testes and mated via cloacal kiss. This state is preserved in many basal species (excluding the [[cynovenator]], which has hemipenes) and all blood shrews (including [[bubbleskins]]). Most living furred shrews, however, have similar external reproductive anatomy to Terran eutherian mammals, including external testes. A notable exception to the latter is the [[tamjacks]], which re-evolved internal testes.
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===Furred Shrews===
===Furred Shrews===
{{clade|{{clade|Cheekhorns|label2= Tams  |{{clade|label1=Dixon Tams|{{clade|Tigmadar|label2=Neoshrews|{{clade|Opportunity Shrews|Scramblers and Twintails}}}}|label2= Barlowe Tams  |{{clade|Leemallas|Sabertams}}|label3=Tamjacks|{{clade|Shrogs|{{clade|Longjacks|Dwarfjacks}}}}}}}}}}
{{clade|{{clade|{{clade|Cheekhorns|label2= Tams  |{{clade|label1=Dixon Tams|{{clade|Tigmadars|label2=Neoshrews|{{clade|Opportunity Shrews|Scramblers and Twintails}}}}|label2= Barlowe Tams  |{{clade|Leemallas|Sabertams}}|label3=Tamjacks|{{clade|Shrogs|{{clade|Longjacks|Dwarfjacks}}}}}}}}|Shroots}}}}


===='''Extant'''====
====Extant====
<gallery>
<gallery>
Scaleback Tamow.jpg|[[Tam]]s
Scaleback Tamow.jpg|[[Tam]]s
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Seashrog.png|[[Shrog]]s
Seashrog.png|[[Shrog]]s
Striped Quilltail.jpg|Cheekhorns
Striped Quilltail.jpg|Cheekhorns
Fragorishroot.png|Modern [[shroots]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


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'''[[Shrog]]s''' are a tool-using subgroup of tamjacks which are among the smartest living shrews.
'''[[Shrog]]s''' are a tool-using subgroup of tamjacks which are among the smartest living shrews.


'''Cheekhorns''' are the only living non-tam furred shrews. Named after the horns that grow out of their cheeks, these shrews are large herbivores that generally resemble ungulates in appearance.
'''Cheekhorns''' are the closest living relatives of tams. Named after the horns that grow out of their cheeks, these shrews are large herbivores that generally resemble ungulates in appearance.

'''Modern [[shroots]]''' are a much earlier offshoot of furred shrews comparable to Earth's platypus in divergence. Unlike other furred shrews, their hind scapulae are still internal and they lack whiskers.


===='''Extinct'''====
====Extinct====
{{clade|{{clade|{{Dagger}}[[Shruma]]|{{clade|{{clade|{{Dagger}}Raptorwolves|{{clade|label1=&nbsp;Shroots&nbsp;|{{clade|{{Dagger}}Chuts|label2=&nbsp;Xolagobas&nbsp;|{{clade|label1=&nbsp;Gluts&nbsp;|{{clade|{{Dagger}}Basal Gluts|{{clade|Cheekhorns|Tams}}}}|{{Dagger}}Basal Xolagobas}}|{{Dagger}}Beardshroots}}|{{Dagger}}Shrotters}}}}|{{Dagger}}[[Bearded Shrew]]}}}}}}
{{clade|{{clade|{{Dagger}}[[Shruma]]|{{clade|{{clade|{{Dagger}}Raptorwolves|{{clade|label1=&nbsp;Shroots&nbsp;|{{clade|{{Dagger}}Chuts|label2=&nbsp;Xolagobas&nbsp;|{{clade|label1=&nbsp;Gluts&nbsp;|{{clade|{{Dagger}}Basal Gluts|{{clade|Cheekhorns|Tams}}}}|{{Dagger}}Basal Xolagobas}}|{{Dagger}}Beardshroots}}|{{Dagger}}Shrotters}}}}|{{Dagger}}[[Bearded Shrew]]}}}}}}
<small>{{Dagger}}: Taxon is extinct.</small>
<small>{{Dagger}}: Taxon is extinct.</small>
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'''Chuts''' were large herbivores with distinctly large heads. Most species were wiped out by a local meteor impact, and the last species died out when the cave it resided in was flooded following the ice comet impact event.
'''Chuts''' were large herbivores with distinctly large heads. Most species were wiped out by a local meteor impact, and the last species died out when the cave it resided in was flooded following the ice comet impact event.


===='''Succeeded'''====
====Succeeded====
These are evolutionary grades in the ancestry of living furred shrews. They have living descendants, but all species of their general morphology are extinct.
These are evolutionary grades in the ancestry of living furred shrews. They have living descendants, but all species of their general morphology are extinct.
<gallery>
<gallery>
Woolly_Shrew.JPG|Earless furred shrews
Woolly_Shrew.JPG|Earless furred shrews
Stalking_Shrew.jpg|Stalking Shrews
Stalking_Shrew.jpg|Stalking Shrews
Chaetotheriumcrash001.jpg|Shroots
Chaetotheriumcrash001.jpg|Basal shroots
Xolagoba.jpg|Xolagobas
Xolagoba.jpg|Xolagobas
Joviglut.jpg|Gluts
Joviglut.jpg|Gluts
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'''Stalking shrews''' were the earliest grade of furred shrews to have external ears. They differ from later grades in that they had straight spines and did not gallop. Shrotters are a part of this evolutionary grade, however the last species that resembled the ancestral stalking shrew died out as a result of the gamma ray burst.
'''Stalking shrews''' were the earliest grade of furred shrews to have external ears. They differ from later grades in that they had straight spines and did not gallop. Shrotters are a part of this evolutionary grade, however the last species that resembled the ancestral stalking shrew died out as a result of the gamma ray burst.


'''Shroots''' were the earliest furred shrews which could gallop. They are also the last grade on the line to living furred shrews to retain the ancestral number of toes. The last shroot-grade shrew, the [[marshroot]], was in the wrong place at the wrong time, as it was wiped out by a local drought.
'''Basal shroots''' were the earliest furred shrews which could gallop. They are also the last grade on the line to living furred shrews to retain the ancestral number of toes. They were largely wiped out by a series of local extinction events, but they survived in isolation via competitive pressure and eventually evolved into the visually similar but internally distinct modern shroots.


'''Xolagobas''' were a grade of furred shrew which were largely arboreal and had prominent incisors. They were the first polydactyl furred shrews. As they were entirely arboreal, they were wiped out by the ice comet impact event, which had killed all trees.
'''Xolagobas''' were a grade of furred shrew which were largely arboreal and had prominent incisors. They were the first polydactyl furred shrews. As they were entirely arboreal, they were wiped out by the ice comet impact event, which had killed all trees.
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===='''Extant'''====
====Extant====
<gallery>
<gallery>
Lazarus Soriparasite.png|Crown-Group [[Soriparasites]]
Lazarus Soriparasite.png|Crown-Group [[Soriparasites]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>


'''Crown-group soriparasites''' utilize an enlarged lower lip to help them suck blood from the wounds of their hosts. They are the only living blood shrews to still produce milk.
'''Crown-group [[soriparasites]]''' utilize an enlarged lower lip to help them suck blood from the wounds of their hosts. They are the only living blood shrews to still produce milk.


'''Bubbleskins''' are bipedal blood shrews with gorgonopsian-esque faces. Their skin is covered in bubble-like scales.
'''[[Bubbleskins]]''' are bipedal blood shrews with gorgonopsian-esque faces. Their skin is covered in bubble-like scales.
===='''Succeeded'''====
====Succeeded====
These are evolutionary grades in the ancestry of living blood shrews. They have living descendants, but all species of their general morphology are extinct.
These are evolutionary grades in the ancestry of living blood shrews. They have living descendants, but all species of their general morphology are extinct.
<gallery>
<gallery>
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[[Category:Common Names]]
[[Category:Common Names]]
[[Category:Group Overviews]]
[[category:Group_Overviews]]
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