History of Kapernia (Physiology) Introduction... When Cylians began to take on the features of the various Earth animals that they had received DNA from, it caused several changes in how their bodies looked and how their bodies worked. It also created several different body types based on the amount of animal DNA that was within them, and the animal it came from. This section explains all the different types of Kapernians as well as some information on the various features of the Kapernian body by "race". Body Types... When the Cylian species went extinct and the Kapernian species was born, five different body types emerged. Anthropomorphic Type: This is the most common body type in Kapernians, accounting for about 98% of the planet's total population. Basically, Kapernians of this body type resemble anthropomorphic versions of the Earth animal they take after. They are bipedal and can do just about everything that a human can do (walk on two legs, speak in human (or human-like) languages, etc.). "Humanoid Type": This is the next most common body type and is the result of a Kapernian male and a human female reproducing. When a Kapernian breeds with a human, most of the offspring will take after their Kapernian parent, but sometimes when a Kapernian male and human female create life together, she'll give birth to a child who looks largely human, but has animal-like ears, a tail, and (in a few cases) whiskers. Some humanoid-type Kapernians have hands and foot paws that more closely resembles that of an anthropomorphic Kapernian. Think Shippo from Inuyasha as an example of what a humanoid-style Kapernian would look like. "Aquatic Type": This body type is only found in Kapernians who originated from Dolphins, Orcas, Whales, or other aquatic mammals. Kapernians of this body type have an anthropomorphic upper half of their body, while the lower half is more of a non-anthro style. If you've seen The Little Mermaid, Kapernians of this style would be like that of Ariel, her father, her sisters, etc. "Tauren Type": Predominately found in the western part of Mainland Kapernia or on Tauren Island, Tauren-type Kapernians have anthropomorphic upper halves of their body while the lower half more closely resembles that of the non-anthro form of the animal they inherited their DNA from. This type is most common with Kapernians that descended from hooved mammals (horses, deer, cows, etc.) however is not limited to hooved mammals. Non-Anthro Type: (Extremely Rare) Basically, Kapernians of this type almost completely resemble the Earth animal they received DNA from. The only difference between Non-Anthro type Kapernians and the actual Earth animal is that the non-anthro Kapernians are usually larger than their Earth counterparts and retain their human-like intelligence and ability to speak. However, they usually end up living in the wilderness, unless another Kapernian or a human brings them in. It should be noted that all other types of Kapernians can breed with non-anthro types, but humans cannot. However, this will be discussed in more detail when we get to "Sex and Reproduction". Now that we've discussed the different body types, let's talk about how different body parts differ from that of other Kapernians, Cylians, and humans. We'll start at the top of the body and work our way down... Ears (and hearing): Back in the introduction, I mentioned how Cylians had small, round ears, with their capacity for hearing things being about equal to that of humans. However, with Kapernians (for the most part), their larger, more animal-like ears give them much better hearing. Kapernians also tend to be more sensitive to loud noises. Because there are numerous different ear shapes amongst Kapernians, hats must be designed to fit several different ear types. Many of these are made from flexible material that are designed to mold around the ears, though for races with extremely large ears (I.E.: Fennec foxes), these usually aren't good enough and it is impossible for them to wear a hat. Instead, they would wear separate "ear socks" to cover each individual ear during the colder months of the year. Eyes (and vision): Very little is different about how Kapernians see things compared to Cylians and humans. Most of them can see in full color (even Kapernians based on Earth animals who are color-blind) and have a similar range of eyesight. The only major difference is that Kapernians can see much better at night than humans would. Nose (and smell): We already know that Cylians had small rabbit-like noses with a rather pathetic ability to smell things. In fact, their sense of smell was even weaker than that of humans. Most Kapernians on the other hand (especially those that descended from canid species) have much larger noses/snouts which enable them to smell a lot more than humans or Cylians ever could. This is not the case for all Kapernians though, some races (I.E.: Mice) have a sense of smell that is about equal to that of humans, but still much stronger than that of Cylians. Mouth/Teeth: As you'd probably guess, the way that a Kapernian's teeth are designed are largely dependent on the individual's diet. Individuals who descend from carnivorous or predominately carnivorous Earth animals will have sharp teeth designed for cutting and tearing flesh. Herbivorous Kapernians, on the other hand will have teeth that are designed to grind and chew more than cut. Omnivorous Kapernians usually have teeth that resemble that of humans, only with slightly sharper "canine" teeth than that of humans. Also, Kapernians based on rodents will have the typical "buck teeth" that are partially fused together into one large tooth. Unlike Earth rodents though, Kapernian rodents' teeth do not constantly grow, so they do not have a constant need to gnaw on things to keep their teeth from getting too long. Hands (and claws): Cylians had fingernails that worked similarly to that of human fingernails. However, instead of fingernails, Kapernians have claws. Depending on the race, these claws can be short and permanently attached to the fingers, or they could be retractable and rest inside each finger until the owner decides to unsheathe them (I.E.: Felines). Also, unlike humans (who have four fingers and a thumb), most Kapernians (except for Non-anthro types and humanoid types) have three fingers and a thumb, which is the same as what Cylians had. Fur: Again, this is another feature that varies from race to race. Many Kapernians have fur coats that change in thickness throughout the year, with it being the longest and thickest in the winter months. When it is time to get rid of the excess fur, some species simply shed it off, while others need to have their coats trimmed. Often, the trimmed fur is saved, washed, and kept around to make blankets or other cold-weather clothing. However, some races (I.E.: Mice and Horses) have fur coats that remain around the same length year-round. There is little need for maintenance for these races outside of washing their fur every so often. Belly-button (Kapernians based off Mammalian species): Like Cylians and Humans all mammalian Kapernians are placental-type mammals (even those who inherited their animal DNA from marsupials). The female will carry her offspring inside them until they are well-developed and give live birth. I will discuss this in more detail when we get to "Sex and Reproduction". Some non-mammalian Kapernians also have mammalian-like traits, including the ability to give live birth and produce milk, but most do not have a belly-button. Reproductive Parts: To be discussed in "Sex and Reproduction". Tails: Whether Kapernians have a tail (and their type) largely depends on what body type they have and what Earth animal they're based on. The vast majority of Kapernians have at least one tail, though some Kapernians with humanoid body-types either have a short, stubby tail or none at all. Feet: The design of Kapernian feet largely depends on the body type they have and what Earth animal they're based on. Although there are some exceptions to this. Most Kapernians of humanoid-type will have human-like feet (only with claws on the ends of each toe instead of toenails). Kapernians based off Earth animals that typically have hooves will have small and round feet with four toes (if they are of the anthropomorphic-type). Claws on the feet of Kapernians that have them are usually permanent and constantly grow like toenails would on a human or Cylian. Kapernian Health... Generally speaking, the Kapernian species is more resistant to disease than humans, though not quite as resistant as Cylians were. Most of this is due to the fact that when Cylians took on Earth animal DNA it ended up weakening their immune systems to an extent. Still, most human diseases will not affect Kapernians, and those that do usually are less severe than they would be in humans. Average Life Expectancy in Kapernians varies (mostly depending on race and body-type). Though gender also plays a role as well (the average life expectancy for female Kapernians is about 2 years longer than that of males)... Most Kapernians: 85-90 years (about 1 in 4 Kapernians live to be 100 or older, about 5% live to be at least 120, and 1 in about 10,000 Kapernians live to be 150 or older.) Humanoid-type Kapernians: 80-85 years Non-anthro type Kapernians: 60-70 years Aquatic-type Kapernians: 65-70 years Nekomata (regardless of body type): Unknown (likely in the hundreds of years. Most have supernatural powers.) Kitsune (regardless of body type): Approximately 1,000 years (Kapernian kitsune age like normal Kapernians until about their mid-20's and then the aging process slows dramatically after that. Kitsune vixens are capable of reproduction for 500 or more years upon sexual maturity. Most have supernatural powers). Alpha Golden Foxes: Semi-immortal (Immune to all known Kapernian, Cylian, and Human diseases. Have supernatural powers and do not age past about age 20. They cannot die of old-age or natural causes.) Typical height ranges for most adult Kapernians (anthropomorphic and humanoid types only)... Most Kapernians: 5'9-6'2" (Males), 5'3"-5'8" (Females) Wolves: 5'11-6'4" (Males), 5'5-5'10" (Females) Elk and Deer: 6'-6'6" (Males), 5'7"-6' (Females) Horses: 5'10"-6'6" (Stallions), 5'6-6" (Mares) Kangaroos: 6'-6'6" (Males), 5'7-6'2" (Females) Bears: 6'-6'4" (Males), 5'6-5'11" (Females) Mice: 5'5-5'9" (Males), 5'-5'4" (Females) Dolphins: 5'5"-6' (Males), 5'2"-5'7" (Females) Orcas: 5'10-6'4" (Males), 5'6"-6' (Females) Kitsune: 5'9"-6'4" (Males), 5'4"-5'10" (Females) Alpha Golden Foxes: 6'6"-7' (Males), 6'-6'6" (Females)* Kapernian Athletic Capabilities... Compared to Humans and Cylians, most Kapernians have the ability to run faster and jump higher/further. Although the extent of their superhuman/supercylian speed and jumping abilities varies by race. Most Kapernians have an average running speed of between 25 and 30 MPH, with an average vertical leap of 24 to 36 inches from level ground, and a broad jump averaging between 10 and 12 feet. Athletes in the All-Kapernian games (the Kapernian equivalent to the Olympics) average about twice these statistics. The following are some variations based on some of the most common races on Kapernia as well as a few extreme cases... Foxes (excluding Kitsune and Alpha Golden Foxes): Average Speed: 25-30 MPH (Fastest speeds: 40-50 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 30 to 40 inches, Average Broad Jump: 10 to 14 feet Wolves: Average Speed: 25-30 MPH (Fastest speeds: 40-45 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 24 to 30 inches, Average Broad Jump: 10 to 13 feet. Deer: Average Speed: 40-50 MPH (Fastest speeds: 60-65 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 30 to 40 inches, Average Broad Jump: 12 to 16 feet. Horses: Average Speed: 40-50 MPH (Fastest speeds: 60-65 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 30 to 40 inches, Average Broad Jump: 12 to 15 feet. Domestic Cats: Average Speed: 30-40 MPH (Fastest speeds: 50-55 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 28 to 36 inches, Average Broad Jump: 10 to 14 feet. Domestic Dogs: Average Speed: 25-30 MPH (Fastest speeds: 40-50 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 24 to 36 inches, Average Broad Jump: 10 to 13 feet. Mice: Average Speed: 20-25 MPH (Fastest speeds: 35-40 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 18 to 24 inches, Average Broad Jump: 8 to 10 feet. Rabbits: Average Speed: 30-35 MPH (Fastest speeds: 45-50 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 30 to 40 inches, Average Broad Jump: 12 to 15 feet. Kangaroos: Average Speed: 30-35 MPH (Fastest speeds: 45-50 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 36 to 50 inches, Average Broad Jump: 13 to 18 feet. Cheetahs: Average Speed: 60-70 MPH (Fastest speeds: up to 100 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 30 to 40 inches, Average Broad Jump: 12 to 15 feet. Kitsune: Average Speed: 30-40 MPH (Fastest speeds: 50-60 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 35 to 45 inches, Average Broad Jump: 12 to 15 feet. Alpha Golden Foxes: Average Speed: 50-60 MPH (Fastest speeds: 75-80 MPH), Average Vertical Leap: 5 to 10 FEET, Average Broad Jump: 18 to 24 feet. In addition to having speed and jumping abilities that surpass what most humans or cylians can achieve, Kapernians (females, in particular) tend to be more agile than humans or cylians. Foxes, mice, deer (and related races), domestic cats, cheetahs, and rabbits best display the heightened agility. Physical strength in Kapernians can vary from race to race, though most races of Kapernian display strength that is about on par with the average adult human or cylian. Kapernians who are based on large or powerful mammals (I.E.: Bears, wolves, elk, elephants) tend to be able to lift more weight than most Kapernian species. However, Alpha Golden Foxes possess even greater strength, with the capability to lift the equivalent of a one-ton pickup truck OVER THEIR HEADS EFFORTLESSLY! In fact, Michael A. Mason, Sr. (one of only two adult male Alpha Golden Foxes) has been known to bench press over 4,000 lbs., more than 20 times the average of the average adult male Kapernian. More will be explained about the unique abilities of the Alpha Golden Fox and the history of the Mason family when we get to "The Legend of the Alpha Golden Fox". ***COMING SOON: Kapernian Laws and Government*** *: Estimated ranges