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ikra [2020-06-04 22:50] – link concavenatorikra [2023-04-09 00:57] (current) – [Diet and food production] concavenator
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 The **//'ikra//** ([[Chaatai#Language|Chaatai]]: "person"; feminine //'ikra//, masculine //'ikrika//) are a sapient species of theropod dinosaurs that inhabits [[Tagra]]. The **//'ikra//** ([[Chaatai#Language|Chaatai]]: "person"; feminine //'ikra//, masculine //'ikrika//) are a sapient species of theropod dinosaurs that inhabits [[Tagra]].
  
-==== Origin and evolution ====+{{ :kukri.png?direct&500 |}} 
 + 
 +===== Origin and evolution =====
 //Also see: [[Tagra#History|Tagra#History]]// //Also see: [[Tagra#History|Tagra#History]]//
  
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 When Antarctica set around the South Pole and the Circumpolar Current formed around it, definitively cutting off the continent from the rest of the world and kickstarting its final freezing, the climatic shock forced the early //'ikra// through the threshold of intelligence. This occurred about 36 million years before the human age, or some 2 million years before the present of Tagra. When Antarctica set around the South Pole and the Circumpolar Current formed around it, definitively cutting off the continent from the rest of the world and kickstarting its final freezing, the climatic shock forced the early //'ikra// through the threshold of intelligence. This occurred about 36 million years before the human age, or some 2 million years before the present of Tagra.
  
-==== Anatomy and physiology ====+===== Anatomy and physiology =====
  
-=== Outer anatomy ===+==== Outer anatomy ====
 Whereas humans arose first in a tropical environment, and thus evolved mechanisms to shed excess heat, //'ikra// evolved to retain heat as much as possible. Subcutaneous fat serves both as thermal insulator and storage of energy; an extremely long and dense feather coating, accounting for well over half of the body's total volume, covers the entire body except for the feet, the medial side of palms and digits, and the lips and nostrils, all of which are covered by thick scaly skin. Feathers are shorter, though still very dense, around the cloacal opening, where they would otherwise by soiled by waste. The longest feathers are the remiges on the arms, homologous to the flight feathers of birds. The entire feather coating is uniform in color (irregular color patches are a marker of disease), black or otherwise very dark. Whereas humans arose first in a tropical environment, and thus evolved mechanisms to shed excess heat, //'ikra// evolved to retain heat as much as possible. Subcutaneous fat serves both as thermal insulator and storage of energy; an extremely long and dense feather coating, accounting for well over half of the body's total volume, covers the entire body except for the feet, the medial side of palms and digits, and the lips and nostrils, all of which are covered by thick scaly skin. Feathers are shorter, though still very dense, around the cloacal opening, where they would otherwise by soiled by waste. The longest feathers are the remiges on the arms, homologous to the flight feathers of birds. The entire feather coating is uniform in color (irregular color patches are a marker of disease), black or otherwise very dark.
  
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 Female //'ikra// have fleshy sacs, located on the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antorbital_fenestra|antorbital fenestrae]] in front of their eyes, richly vascularized and connected to the nasal airways, that swell and turn faintly red in response to emotional excitation. Female //'ikra// have fleshy sacs, located on the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antorbital_fenestra|antorbital fenestrae]] in front of their eyes, richly vascularized and connected to the nasal airways, that swell and turn faintly red in response to emotional excitation.
  
-=== Metabolism and energy ===+==== Metabolism and energy ====
 //'Ikra// are generalist omnivores, able to consume virtually every native organism of Tagra: the breadth of their diet is limited more by cultural taboos than by physiology (see [[Ikra#Diet and food production|below]]). //'Ikra// are generalist omnivores, able to consume virtually every native organism of Tagra: the breadth of their diet is limited more by cultural taboos than by physiology (see [[Ikra#Diet and food production|below]]).
  
 All //'ikra// undergo a partial hibernation during the winter night, in which their metabolism slows down by an order of magnitude, their internal temperature drops by several degrees, and all activity and thought slow down considerably. In this state, they can survive for many days without food or water, and usually spend >80% of the time sleeping. The winter torpor is triggered by the reduction of day-long light levels, and naturally dark environments such as mines must be well-lit lest workers become prematurely torpid. However, trying to go through a whole year without any period of torpor can cause metabolic and neurological damage. All //'ikra// undergo a partial hibernation during the winter night, in which their metabolism slows down by an order of magnitude, their internal temperature drops by several degrees, and all activity and thought slow down considerably. In this state, they can survive for many days without food or water, and usually spend >80% of the time sleeping. The winter torpor is triggered by the reduction of day-long light levels, and naturally dark environments such as mines must be well-lit lest workers become prematurely torpid. However, trying to go through a whole year without any period of torpor can cause metabolic and neurological damage.
  
-=== Senses and communication ===+==== Senses and communication ====
  
-=== Sexual dimorphism ===+==== Sexual dimorphism ====
   * Females are larger than males (up to 25% heavier in extreme cases), and generally have a more aggressive disposition, though it may be affected by cultural and psychological factors. The female body is more compact, with comparatively shorter appendages.   * Females are larger than males (up to 25% heavier in extreme cases), and generally have a more aggressive disposition, though it may be affected by cultural and psychological factors. The female body is more compact, with comparatively shorter appendages.
   * The male face is relatively neotenous, with shorter, more rounded jaws and somewhat larger eyes.   * The male face is relatively neotenous, with shorter, more rounded jaws and somewhat larger eyes.
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   * Sexually mature males develop patches on their abdomen where feathers are much sparser and blood vessels dilate close to the surface. This makes it easier to transmit body heat to eggs during incubation.   * Sexually mature males develop patches on their abdomen where feathers are much sparser and blood vessels dilate close to the surface. This makes it easier to transmit body heat to eggs during incubation.
  
-=== Reproduction ===+==== Reproduction ====
 Like all dinosaurs (avian or otherwise), //'ikra// are oviparous, i.e. they reproduce by egg-laying. Eggs are elongated (about 18 cm in length and 9 cm of diameter) with slightly asymmetrical ends (which causes them to roll in circles rather than in a straight line, and thus makes them easier to keep in the nest). The shell is a mottled grey-brown color that helps them hide among rocks and dirt. Eggs are much larger than in Mesozoic theropods of comparable size, because the intelligence of //'ikra// requires a longer period of embryonal development; accordingly, egg incubation takes about 120 days, an enormous time for the birds of the human age. Like all dinosaurs (avian or otherwise), //'ikra// are oviparous, i.e. they reproduce by egg-laying. Eggs are elongated (about 18 cm in length and 9 cm of diameter) with slightly asymmetrical ends (which causes them to roll in circles rather than in a straight line, and thus makes them easier to keep in the nest). The shell is a mottled grey-brown color that helps them hide among rocks and dirt. Eggs are much larger than in Mesozoic theropods of comparable size, because the intelligence of //'ikra// requires a longer period of embryonal development; accordingly, egg incubation takes about 120 days, an enormous time for the birds of the human age.
  
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 Hatchlings remain the nest for about one year. Nestlings are fed, almost exclusively by the father, first with crop milk and then with regurgitated food (see [[Ikra#Diet and food production|below]]); they will also consume their own eggshell as a source of calcium for skeletal and nervous development. After that, they become juveniles able to move and eat solid food, though they remain heavily dependent from the parents. Being so much lighter, juveniles mostly move by hopping like songbirds rather than walking, though they are likely to be taught walking as soon as possible. They reach sexual maturity between 8 and 12 years of age, developing their [[Ikra#Sexual dimorphism|dimorphic features]] such as tailfans and antorbital sacs. In modern nations, //'ikra// who survive infancy can expect to live 40 to 60 years. Hatchlings remain the nest for about one year. Nestlings are fed, almost exclusively by the father, first with crop milk and then with regurgitated food (see [[Ikra#Diet and food production|below]]); they will also consume their own eggshell as a source of calcium for skeletal and nervous development. After that, they become juveniles able to move and eat solid food, though they remain heavily dependent from the parents. Being so much lighter, juveniles mostly move by hopping like songbirds rather than walking, though they are likely to be taught walking as soon as possible. They reach sexual maturity between 8 and 12 years of age, developing their [[Ikra#Sexual dimorphism|dimorphic features]] such as tailfans and antorbital sacs. In modern nations, //'ikra// who survive infancy can expect to live 40 to 60 years.
-==== Demography and ethnography ==== 
  
-==== Culture ====+===== Demography and ethnography ===== 
 + 
 +===== Culture =====
 //Also see: [[Chaatai]], [[Takrakaya]], [[Kru'u]], [[Tayaka]]// //Also see: [[Chaatai]], [[Takrakaya]], [[Kru'u]], [[Tayaka]]//
  
 Some more-or-less species-wide aversions can be attributed to the circumstances of //'ikra// evolution. For example, the most detested physical attribute is almost universally the loss of feathers, which is a common consequence of skin parasites and makes it harder to survive the winter cold. Most//'ikra// cultures have a more or less strong taboo around the color white, which is associated with snow and ice, and therefore death by cold and starvation: glaciers are considered cursed places and associated with torment in the afterlife. (This, of course, can have very negative consequences for albino //'ikra//). Everywhere on Tagra, mythical monsters have the same attributes: they have white feathers or none at all, they resemble frostbitten corpses, they feed on eggs, they don't experience torpor and are most active during the winter night. Some more-or-less species-wide aversions can be attributed to the circumstances of //'ikra// evolution. For example, the most detested physical attribute is almost universally the loss of feathers, which is a common consequence of skin parasites and makes it harder to survive the winter cold. Most//'ikra// cultures have a more or less strong taboo around the color white, which is associated with snow and ice, and therefore death by cold and starvation: glaciers are considered cursed places and associated with torment in the afterlife. (This, of course, can have very negative consequences for albino //'ikra//). Everywhere on Tagra, mythical monsters have the same attributes: they have white feathers or none at all, they resemble frostbitten corpses, they feed on eggs, they don't experience torpor and are most active during the winter night.
  
-=== Nations ===+==== Nations ==== 
 +  * [[Chaatai|Chaatai Republic]] (population: 28 million) 
 +  * [[Takrakaya|Takrakaya Empire]] (population: 58 million) 
 +  * [[Kru'u|Kru'u Union]] (population: 21 million) 
 +  * [[Tayaka|Tayaka peoples]] (population: 7 million) 
 +  * [[!Akau'a|!Akau'a states]] (population: 2 million)
  
-=== Philosophy and religion ===+==== Philosophy and religion ==== 
 +//Also see: [[Cosmology]]//
  
 The isolation of [[Tagra]] from the rest of the planet, whose existence is generally known, has had a profound effect on philosophy, religion, and science. Often, the waters beyond the [[Wall of the Sea]] are considered the abode of deities, monsters, and/or blessed or lost souls. Many coastal peoples revere whales as liminal creatures, the only able to cross the Wall (this hasn't in any way diminished their exploitation for meat and fat). The isolation of [[Tagra]] from the rest of the planet, whose existence is generally known, has had a profound effect on philosophy, religion, and science. Often, the waters beyond the [[Wall of the Sea]] are considered the abode of deities, monsters, and/or blessed or lost souls. Many coastal peoples revere whales as liminal creatures, the only able to cross the Wall (this hasn't in any way diminished their exploitation for meat and fat).
  
-=== Diet and food production ===+==== Diet and food production ====
 //Also see: [[Tagran biota]]// //Also see: [[Tagran biota]]//
  
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     * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somniosidae|sleeper sharks]] (meat, skin, teeth)     * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somniosidae|sleeper sharks]] (meat, skin, teeth)
     * whales (fat & oil, meat)     * whales (fat & oil, meat)
-    * sea cucumbers (meat)+    * sea cucumbers, clams & mussels (meat)
     * squids and cuttlesquids (meat, cuttlebone)     * squids and cuttlesquids (meat, cuttlebone)
   * Gathering:   * Gathering:
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     * heathers (berries)     * heathers (berries)
     * podocarp (fruits)     * podocarp (fruits)
-    * //[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyttaria|Cyttaria]]// (edible fungus, parasite of podocarps)+    * //[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyttaria|Cyttaria]]// (edible fungus, parasite of southern beeches)
   * Breeding:   * Breeding:
     * astrapotheres (work, manure, fat, leather, foetal meat)     * astrapotheres (work, manure, fat, leather, foetal meat)
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     * giant sedges (sugar/syrup)     * giant sedges (sugar/syrup)
     * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterales|Asterales]], [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caryophyllales|Caryophyllales]] (edible roots & tubers)     * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterales|Asterales]], [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caryophyllales|Caryophyllales]] (edible roots & tubers)
 +    * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proteaceae|Proteaceae]] (nuts)
     * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabaceae|Fabaceae]] (legumes)     * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabaceae|Fabaceae]] (legumes)
     * various leafy vegetables     * various leafy vegetables
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 The consumption of mammalian milk, in contrast, is regarded with disgust. Since mammary glands are unconnected to the digestive trait, mammal milk is analogized to mucus or pus. The consumption of eggs, even unfertilized, is also taboo in almost all //'ikra// cultures, with one exception: growing nestlings consume chips of their own eggshell as a crucial source of calcium. Calcium supplements, in form of bonemeal and cuttlebones, are important not only for nestlings but also adults: a chronically calcium-deficient diet will make a female sterile, as her eggs fail to develop a shell and are reabsorbed before being laid. The consumption of mammalian milk, in contrast, is regarded with disgust. Since mammary glands are unconnected to the digestive trait, mammal milk is analogized to mucus or pus. The consumption of eggs, even unfertilized, is also taboo in almost all //'ikra// cultures, with one exception: growing nestlings consume chips of their own eggshell as a crucial source of calcium. Calcium supplements, in form of bonemeal and cuttlebones, are important not only for nestlings but also adults: a chronically calcium-deficient diet will make a female sterile, as her eggs fail to develop a shell and are reabsorbed before being laid.
  
-=== Grooming and body modifications ===+Since //'ikra// teeth are scarcely suited to chew starchy or fibrous plant matter, such foods are usually ground, minced, or boiled into gruel. Cellulose-based food, if not used to feed animals or grow mushrooms, may be treated with yeast-like fungi to release simple sugars. //'Ikra// may also swallow gastroliths ("gizzard stones") that, moving around in their muscular gizzard, assist with food breakdown. While any small, hard stone will do, polished gastroliths in bone or porcelain are part of any elegant tableware set. 
 + 
 +==== Grooming and body modifications ====
 Depending on culture and social standing, feather dyeing with mineral or vegetable colors may be practiced. Males in particular are more likely to dye their collar and tailfan. Red paint may also be applied to one's antorbital sacs. Dyes and prosthetic feathers are commonly used to remediate discolored or missing feathers. Dust, abrasive sand, and/or alkaline ash are scrubbed on the body surface to clean it from dirt and parasites. Depending on culture and social standing, feather dyeing with mineral or vegetable colors may be practiced. Males in particular are more likely to dye their collar and tailfan. Red paint may also be applied to one's antorbital sacs. Dyes and prosthetic feathers are commonly used to remediate discolored or missing feathers. Dust, abrasive sand, and/or alkaline ash are scrubbed on the body surface to clean it from dirt and parasites.
  
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 Takrakaya slaves often have their whole head and neck fully shaved as a symbol of their dependency from the household, as they would die of hypothermia if they found themselves outside in winter. Note that they would not die during the summer, and in any case they would likely cover their head with clothing. Takrakaya slaves often have their whole head and neck fully shaved as a symbol of their dependency from the household, as they would die of hypothermia if they found themselves outside in winter. Note that they would not die during the summer, and in any case they would likely cover their head with clothing.
  
 +==== Science and technology ====
 +At the present time to which this wiki refers, the scientific and technological development of Tagra may be compared roughly to that of humankind around half of the 19th century. It has, of course, been very uneven: most new discoveries and inventions are concentrated in Chaatai, Kru'u, and to some degree Tsang-ha. Life in most of Takrakaya and the Tayaka lands remains largely pre-modern (and in the 'Akau'a lands, mostly pre- or proto-agricultural). In fact, even the rural population of Chaatai and Kru'u remains mostly unreached by innovations such as electricity and mass production.
 +
 +Here are some scientific discoveries that would be well-known to natural philosophers and educated people in all the nations of Tagra:
 +  * Tagra is a continent located at one pole of a spheroidal planet, which rotates around its axis and revolves around the Sun; it's likely there are other lands beyond the Wall of the Sea.
 +  * The Sun is analogous to the other stars, and is not powered by chemical combustion, but by an unknown process. Other planets have moons of their own.
 +  * Mass and energy are conserved quantities that cannot be created or destroyed, but only transformed or conveyed.
 +  * Living organisms are composed of cells, too small to be seen; one-celled organisms live in the water, air, and within the bodies of larger organisms, and some cause infectious disease.
 +  * All visible matter is composed of corpuscles, much smaller than cells, that bind to each other in specific configurations.
 +  * Heat is the movement of these corpuscles, which implies a minimal temperature corresponding to perfect stillness.
 +  * The planet is, at least, several hundred thousand or million years old, enough time for sand, mud, and other sediments to consolidate into rock.
 +  * All living organisms, including the 'ikra, developed gradually over the history of the planet by gradual modifications that result in adaptation to one's environment.
 +  * Tagra used to be warmer in the past, when the 'ikra developed from their ancestors (hence the extent of fossil coal deposits, and the inability of 'ikra to survive winter without technology).
 +
 +The commonly used units of measurement are based on the traditional Grikaa units, with factors of conversion modified for easier computation (e.g., to be based on the octal numbering system, and often to include 3 or 5 as factors):
 +  * The **rachis** is the fundamental unit of length, corresponding to the diameter of the rachis (central shaft) of an adult 'ikra's flight feathers, or about 3.6 mm.
 +  * The **palm**, originally defined as the width of the palm of an 'ikra hand, is now equal to 24 rachides, or 8.6 cm.
 +  * The **pace**, originally defined as the stride length of a walking 'ikra, is now equal to 8 palms or 192 rachides, or 69 cm.
 +  * The **league**, originally an extremely variable distance, is now equal to 960 paces or 7680 palms or 184,320 rachides, or 664 m.
 +  * The **tooth** is the fundamental unit of mass (and corresponding weight), based on the weight of a discarded tooth (historically used as unit for long-distance trade because of its relative uniformity and universal availability), or about 2.1 grams.
 +  * The **poke**, originally based on the weight of a heavy sack carried by //'ikra// workers, is now defined as 7680 teeth, or about 16 kg. Half-pokes and quarter-pokes are used commonly.
 +  * The **burden**, originally based on the load that could be typically carried by a //krukaa//, is now defined as 64 pokes or 491,520 teeth, or about 1030 kg.
ikra.1591311042.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020-06-04 22:50 by concavenator
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