Vexlores (Embla dryadalis), also called Ljósálfar, are a sapient carbon-based bipedal species native to the planet Err in Aylathiya. Commonly confused for Humans, the two are closely related species so much so that nonviable offspring could be produced between the two naturally. They are one of the most influential species native to Aylathiya, especially in the region of Martial Space. Many species from outside of the region do not trust Vexlores given their aggressive history.
Vexlores are vertebrates with a tough internal endoskeleton composed largely of calcium compounds and protein. They have four limbs and one head with two eyes , two nostrils, and one mouth. Like most predators, these eyes are placed on the front rather than side of the head. On each hand exist five digits and on each foot 4 digits. They posses hair atop their heads mostly as a vestigial feature, however, in colder environments, it proves useful in maintaining the temperature of the brain.
They have a tribal nature developed over hundreds of thousands of years as living as primarily hunter-gatherers in grasslands. Since large numbers of the most nutritious organisms were mobile, they developed strong arms, endurance hunting, and sharp teeth meant to pin down and tear apart prey. As time went on, Vexlorian diets diversified, allowing for them to not depend on hunting so much.
There exists one sub-species of Vexlore known as the "Demi-Vexlores." This species is the result of extensive genetic modification creating a hybrid species between Vexlores and Humans. Demi-Vexlores are very similar to both Vexlores and humans, containing traits both possess but muted. Since Demi-Vexlores are compatible with both Humans and Vexlores, the line between the two species have grown increasingly blurry as the Demi-Vexlore population has increased rapidly.
Biology
Biochemistry
Vexlores are mostly composed of water. They are divided into organs, tissues, and cells just like the majority of other species. They metabolize fructose or glucose and have adapted to a much more carnivorous diet compared to their sister-species. Inside of their chests lies a large heart which pumps oxygenated blood through the body. They possess a fairly large liver as well as natural immunity to most most anesthetics, alcohol, and drugs. Their internal tissues are slightly basic (pH = 7.35) and they use oxygen as the primary electron receptors in their metabolism. They are mostly composed of carbon-compounds with genetic material stored in macro-molecules containing four distinct nucleotides.
Vexlores have 48 chromosomes divided into groups of two. Much like most complex life forms in the universe, chromosomes exist to make cellular division more practical. 46 of these chromosomes are autosomes while 2 are sex chromosomes.
Reproduction and life Cycle
Vexlores reproduce sexually and have two biological sexes, male and female. The females most commonly give birth to twins, rarely having only one child and even less rarely having more than two. Children are most commonly born in pairs of male and female who are identical genetically apart from the sex chromosome separating them. Vexlores, from birth, have their fangs, with the rest of the teeth growing in as they mature.
Vexlorian males typically take 17 years to mature physically and 21 to mature mentally, while females take 16 years to mature physically and 19 to mature mentally. The difference is mostly due to size as males simply have more mass to gain before their bodies can focus on brain growth.
Diet
Vexlores are omnivores which primarily rely on meat and protein-rich plants. The Vexlores originally evolved to be scavengers on their planet's large grasslands, but soon switched to hunting as they mastered tool use. Evolutionary pressure caused a small group of them to begin diversifying into other food sources, mainly small invertebrates and other live prey. When the modern Vexlores first emerged in about 230,000 BCE, they ate a wide range of animals and plants. [[Category:Mammalian ]]