Divergent evolution is a process where one species begins to separate into two distinct species through the process of natural selection. Mutations in DNA cause certain members of a population to exhibit different traits from the norm of the species. Examples would be a person with fur, or a fish developing wings. Mutations often result in unfavorable traits, ex. color blindness, but sometimes the traits offer the individual an increased chance of survival, ex. butterflies that have a similar color scheme as a poisonous butterfly to deter predators. Individuals with beneficial traits are preferred mating partners, their genetic information is transferred to the young much more frequently than normal members of the population. In time the group with the different traits will have enough genetic differences from the norm of the species so that they can no longer reproduce fertile offspring with members of their former species. Once the two groups can no longer reproduce fertile offspring they have become two distinct species.
The Yumbrabaul are in the beginning stages of divergent evolution. Some of the Yumbrabaul have developed antlers in order to defend themselves and their young from the Thaough, their most serious predator. The antlered Yumbrabaul are larger than the others, and they are unable to fly because they are weighed down by the antlers and more dense bones that they have developed in order to better fend of the attacks of the Thaough. The large Yumbrabaul and the small help each other in a symbiotic relationship. Over the next generations, barring interbreeding with the Yumbrabaul still capable of flight, the larger Yumbrabaul may; lose their wings, increase their antler size, and increase their bone density, while the smaller ones still capable of flight may well lose muscular strength because their larger relatives protect them from the attacks of the Thaough.
Dopamine is a chemical which causes intense pleasure in Homo sapiens. Arvid Carlsson won the Nobel Prize in medicine for identifying dopamine as the first brain neurotransmitter found uniquely in the brain. The narcotic Cocaine causes an increase in dopamine production in Homo sapiens. Although further study is necessary to learn the precise effects on Yumbrabaul is it clearly causes them to lose motor coordination and ameliorates their mood. Female Yumbrabaul under the influence of Khuy Thaough are more likely to mate and all the Yumbrabaul are less likely to fight with each other. Shortages of Khuy Thaough are the most common reason for fighting within the group, and Yumbrabaul suffering from Khuy Thaough withdrawal will attack others in order to "get their fix." More information on Dopamine.
Groupings of life: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. Forms of life are commonly known by their Species name. Ex. Jaguar's scientific name is Panthera onca, and Humans are sometimes referred to as Homo sapiens. Homo is the Genus name and sapiens is the specific epithet for Human beings.
Khuy Thaough are juvenile Thaough. They are the preferred prey of the Yumbrabaul.
Natural selection is the process of "weeding out" genetically inferior members of a given population. In animals such as the Yumbrabaul or the Thaough predators kill the members of the prey species which are easier to kill. Slower or weaker animals are killed in preference to animals that develop defensive traits, ex. the antlers developed by the larger Yumbrabaul. The members of the species which develop defensive traits are less likely to be killed by predator, and so their genetic information stands a greater chance of being transmitted to the next generation, and over time their traits become commonplace.
Sentient: 1: responsive to or conscious of sense impressions 2: aware
A symbiotic relationship is when two creatures help each other survive. The relationship of the large and small Yumbrabaul is a very interesting relationship. The large Yumbrabaul protect the small ones from the attacks of the cat-like Thaough. In return the smaller Yumbrabaul hunt the young Thaough (Khuy Thaough). The smaller Yumbrabaul are still capable of flight, so they are better able to catch the Khuy Thaough which acts both to reduce the population of predators on the next generation of Yumbrabaul, both large and small, as well as to supply all the Yumbrabaul with their favorite source of nutrition and recreation.
Thaough are a species which resemble large Felines of Earth. They are carnivorous and prey heavily on Yumbrabaul. The heavily muscled Yumbrabaul provide an excellent source of protein and calories, and preying on the Yumbrabaul decreases the number of predators on the juvenile Thaough, the Khuy Thaough.