Activity for Cowrie‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Question	—	What would the changes necessary for powered flight using rib-derived "wings" look like? I'm working on a humanoid vertebrate species that I'd like to be capable of true, flapping flight, but still have arms and legs completely separate from the wings. I also wish to avoid a "six-limbed vertebrate" scenario, since it has a number of fairly closely related species that only have four lim... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Question	—	Anatomically Correct Ahuizotl The Ahuizotl is a creature from Aztec mythology. It is aquatic, and appears similar to a small dog with grasping forepaws like a raccoon or monkey's, and a very long tail ending with an extra hand. It is capable of mimicking the cries of a human being, holding an adult human down in the water till ... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Question	—	What's the most efficient way for a living creature to tunnel through wood? The main creature in question is an intelligent species that stands from 3' to 4' tall on average. They are heavy-set and primarily bipedal, but able to move comfortably on all fours at the same speed as when upright. Don't think muscular like a typical fantasy dwarf, think a cylindrical torso with... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Question	—	Would it be possible for one organism to simultaneously exhibit two types of symmetry? In particular, I want to know if a creature whose upper body displays bilateral symmetry and whose lower body displays tetramerism like a jellyfish is biologically possible. (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Question	—	Could an aquatic mammal develop an eel-like fin as opposed to a fluked structure? Anatomically speaking, could an aquatic mammal develop a horizontal fin that instead of being localized at the end of the tail extends up the sides in a similar manner to how an eel's fin extends up the top and bottom? Particular concerns are whether some sort of rigid support is necessary for that ... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Question	—	Are pharyngeal and cutaneous breathing possible for an aquatic mammal? I'm working on a setting with merfolk that I'd prefer to be fully mammalian. However, they have underwater cities and I find that hard to believe for a species that needs to surface every few hours at most to breathe. So, I was wondering if pharyngeal and cutaneous respiration similar to what softs... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago