The moss-like proliferation
The moss-like proliferation
by Kopout
Another group that showed great diversity also comes from an unexpected source: Mosscase.
The strange appearance of moss with muscle and armor, a life form that was not possible on Earth in such a way, managed on the planet due to lack of competition to diversify into forms that many do not expect to see this way.
Generic mosscases
The mosscase has expanded across the super continent thanks to their glochidia larva which hitch a ride on passing fish. Most of these generic mosscases are difficult to distinguish from each other or from their ancestor. They primarily vary in habitat preference, adult size and small details of shell shape and coloration. They have been unable to colonize the offshore islands however, as they can’t tolerate salt water.
Fur clinging mosscases
As the name suggests the larva of these mosscases attach to the fur, or more rarely feathers or scales, of land dwelling or semi-aquatic chimeras. These larvae are desiccation resistant and enter a state of suspended animation when they dry out. In this state they will remain attached to the host until it returns to the water, usually to drink or cross a stream. This has enabled them to cross stretches of dry land and colonize more secluded areas.
by Kopout
Also moss-like fungi began to spread rapidly and any area that was moist they occupied because of the lack of competition created at the beginning of the period.
Generic mosshrooms
The generic mosshrooms, much like the generic mosscases, are a widespread group of small organisms. Most species are most easily distinguished from each other by the shape and color of their mushroom like sporophytes. The gametophytes form carpets in moist areas. Unlike normal mosses they are also decomposers. This has lead many species to thrive best growing on dead plant like chimeras, as they are able to digest them. A few fast-growing species also grow on dead animal like chimeras, though here they face more competition from scavengers.
Parasitic mosshrooms
Unlike their more basal relatives parasitic mosshrooms are, as the name suggests, parasitic. They grow on larger plant like chimeras and tend to have more extensive hyphae networks then their relatives. By growing on tall plants chimeras, they are able to spread their spores further thanks to the height boost from their host. Many species of parasitic mosshroom are only differentiated by host preference and minor details of sporophyte shape and coloration. Parasitic mosshrooms rarely kill their hosts unless it is already stressed from other factors, or if it is particularly overgrown.
Aquatic mosshrooms
While on the mainland mosscases dominate the aquatic moss niches on the islands off the coast of typhon a group of mosshrooms has taken up this niche. Unlike mosscases, mosshrooms are able to cross bodies of saltwater thanks to their airborne spores. This has lead to an endemic liniage of aquatic and semi aquatic mosshrooms on the two large islands of the north east. Notably, these aquatic mosshrooms grow their hyphae up as well as down and out, intermingling them their leaves and stems. This enables them to feed on bits of organic debris that get tangled in the moss. In conjunction with this they have evolved an altered growth pattern which traps more particles. These aquatic mosshrooms have proportionally large sporophytes which extend out of the water, bringing the spores into the air.