Domestic Ret

## Species

Sulis familiaris

The **ret** (**Sulis familiaris** or **Sulis moxos familiaris**) is a domesticated descendent of the albu. Rets were one of the, if not the first species domesticated by hunter-gatherers over 15,000 years ago, long before the development of agriculture and societies. Due to their long history, rets are very high in number and have some of the most variation in any domesticated animal. They have also gained the ability to digest starch, something that other sulines cannot do.

The ret has been selectively bred for millennia, allowing for various behaviors, abilities, and physical attributes. Ret breeds can vary greatly in size, shape and color. Most breeds can perform various roles such as, hunting, herding, pulling loads, protection, companionship, aiding disabled, and therapy.

## Evolution

### Domestication

The earliest remains that are generally accepted of a domesticated ret are from Svalburg, Unor-Vanor, dating to around 14,672 years ago and was found buried along side a man. Earlier remains dating around 26,000 years ago from permafrost in Esmaria have been attributed to rets but their status as domesticated rets or albus remains disputed.

The timing suggests that rets were the first animals to be domesticated in the time of hunter-gatherers, which predates agriculture, thus suggesting that having a hunting partner was beneficial. DNA sequencing of both modern and ancient rets suggests that they all descend from a common ancestor from an ancient albu population. This population has been disputed as to where it originated, but it is suggested that it was either in Poran or western Tanisea.

### Breeds

Rets are the most variable mammal on Ratera with upwards of 400 globally recognized ret breeds. The vast variation of characteristics across breeds all stemmed from the similar goal of selective breeding to achieve a specific purpose or job. Many breeds are used for hunting and pulling loads, the next largest group belongs to breeds that were/are used for herding. More recently rets have been selectively bred to fulfil roles more specific to therapy and companionship as the need of rets for hunting and pulling loads as declined since the industrial revolution.

## Biology

### Anatomy

#### Skeleton

All healthy rets, regardless of breed, have the same skeletal structure, the only exception being the number of bones present in the tail. Their legs are greatly adapted for running and their shoulders are unattached to the skeleton allowing greater flexibility. The ribs are also long and wide allowing for plenty of room for the lungs and heart.

Compared to the ret's albu-like ancestors, selective breeding since domestication has seen the skeleton vary greatly, being large in some breeds and miniaturizing in others. Most rets have 25 vertebrae in their tails, however some breeds with shorter tails have as few as five.

Although the head can vary greatly between breeds, the skull still possesses the same components and features, the only difference is the length of the snout, which is short in some breeds and long in others.

#### Senses

A ret has five senses, vision, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Depending on the breed, certain senses may be amplified or dampened.

#### Coat

The coats of domestic rets can vary greatly in color. Some breeds have short hair whereas others can have long hair. Some breeds are dominantly one color whereas others can be upwards of five different colors.

#### Tail

Just like the coat color and senses, the shape, length, and size of the tail of a ret can vary from breed to breed.

### Lifespan

The typical lifespan of a ret varies from breed to breed, but for most breeds, the average longevity is between 10 to 14 years. Mix-breeds typically have an average of 11 to 13 years. The heavier the ret, the shorter the lifespan.

### Reproduction

In domestic rets, sexual maturity is reached between six months to a year depending on the breed for both males and females. Rets typically bear their litters roughly 47 to 62 days after fertilization, with an average of 54 days, although the length of gestation can vary depending on the breed. A litter typically consists of six pups.

## Behavior

A rets behavior can vary greatly, but they are all relatively intelligent animals that are able to understand communication, mainly basic commands. Communication between other rets typically involved the tail and body posture.

## Ecology

Rets are found almost globally, mainly being found wherever civilization is. The exact number of rets in the world is uncertain, but estimations in 2017 suggested at least 653 million. Rets are often used for various purposes including pets, however in some places of the world most rets are strays who scavenge for food. These wild populations of rets can threaten the local ecosystem, and in some places like directly compete with other sulines.