Deuvertebrate

Deuvertebrates (Deuvertebrata) are one of the two big groups of arsoid astereukaryotes inhabiting Phtanum B, next to the xenicozoophytes (Xenicozoophyta) and multiple smaller, more removed clades. Like the xenicozoophytes they too conduct photosynthesis and live sessile lives, but often lose these abilities upon reaching a second, more animal-like lifecycle stage. Due to this they need to feed on organic substances in this stage and shortly before (Heterotrophy), like earthly animals and fungi. Similarly, familiar ecological relationships such as predator and prey evolved independently within deuvertebrates as a result of this. Among deuvertebrates are organisms of large variety in sizes and niches, most important mentionable big cladistic divisions are the Epulotes and Aneucnemids. Extant deuvertebrates range in size from 2 mm long (0.07", Dwarf Petulorid) to the red windwhale, at a staggering 250 meters (820 ft) in wingspan.

## Etymology

The word *Deuvertebrate* is composed out of the english word "vertebrate" and the greek root word "deutero-", shortened to "deu", meaning "second" or "double". Together referring to the trait of deuertebrates having two spinal columns. A derivative of the term Deuvertebrate is the shortened *Deuvert*, which is approxiately as commonly used though *Deuvertebrat*e remains as the more scientific and professional term of the two.

## Anatomy

In their mobile lifecycle stage, deuvertebrates have a number of extraordinary and unique anatomical features. Deuvertebrates have bones composed out of pyrite instead of hydroxylapatite like in earthly vertebrates. They have two spinal-column esque structures, connected by a number of bone arches. Deuvertebrates have two hearts and multi-chambered lungs and pneumanized bodies. In their frontal thorax is a large bone sphere containing the brain, the sarcophagus, and most deuvertebrates have a fairly high number of limbs. Connected to the front of this bone sphere is a telescopic arm with the Radiom, a plated structure with visual organs on its surface. Exceptions in all of these can occur, but those are more specializations than the ordinary for the entire group. More detailed pages about the various aspects of deuvertebrate anatomy can be visited here:

Bones and Skeletal System

Corial and Latrant Muscular Systems

Cardiovascular Systems

Pneuminal System

Neural System

Blysmidial System (Only Epulotal Deuvertebrates)

Porial System (Only Aneucnemid Deuvertebrates)

Digestive System

Deuvertebrates having evolved things such as limbs and a basic skeletal support structure are examples of convergent evolution.

## Ecology

Deuvertebrates occupy a variety of niches throughout their lifetimes and in the wild. Starting out as sessile, plant-like polyps they are often prey to grazers or other organisms which sift or probe the floor for food. Deuvertebrate polyps in large number present a unique habitat for organisms to live in, or present shelter for smaller organisms. Upon nearing the second life stage, nearly all deuvertebrates start to eat some forms of organic matter, such as nutrients from the ground or by preying on smaller organisms.

Once the second lifecycle stage is reached, deuvertebrates rearrange themselves into the more traditionally known niches we would normally associate with animals - carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, detritivore and more. In their adult stage, deuvertebrates occupy most large scale animal-like niches. Though some deuvertebrates specialize in certain niches and things to eat, "true" herbivory is rare. Most "herbivores" occasionally eat smaller organisms such as other deuvertebrates or deuvertebrate polyps, in order to get to the easy-accessible nutrients provided by the meat. Eating the bones of other deuvertebrates is also a big factor that even traditional deuvertebrate herbivores indulge in, as it is an easy way to get to the pyrite needed for the construction of their own bones.

## Taxonomy

Order Ptyonocodia (Ptyonocodites)
Order Lactismida (Lactismids)

Order Sphyroloria (Pedes)

Order Neognatha (Jaw-Armed Biters)

Order Rhophalobida (Siegers)

Order Lonchida (Lancers)

Order Pyrgothana (Towerbeasts)

Order Thelasmida (Scrapers)