The Di-tetrametamorphs

This group is the largest and most wide ranging of the animal groups. It is characterized by a two to four stage life cycle. In the first stage the individuals are usually fairly large and have two sets of chromasomes just like you and me. However insted of being male and female they are unisexual and all individuals produce large numbers of very small offspring in packets of eggs. These offspring have only one set of chromasomes each. They look almost nothing like the parents. The first eggs of these packets to hatch become sexually mature, grow wings and search for a mate. The first female with a mate to return to her waiting siblings asserts command over the whole clutch and they live colonially like ants, bees or termites. Depending on the species Di-tetrametamorph colonies might live in the ground or in trees. A few species retain their wings and live as a bee colony would. The mated female grows in size and produces a small version of the first stage of the creature which then, depending on species, grow up on it's own or is 'adopted' by adults in the first stage. The other major division of this group has a four stage cycle wich is similar to the above except there are two stages where there is one in the above description.

Example Species

Steel Hide
Height: 5-6 ft
Length: 10ft
Weight: 1 ton
The steel-hide is so named because o f it's thick, tough hide that is near ly impenetrable except to the talons of a Pharlan. It is probably the most d angerous creature on Rona because of it's aggressive nature and extreme size, strength and power. It is comparable to the hippo, ele phant and rhinoceros on earth. The steel hide is an extremely intelligent creature roaming the plains, forests and even deserts in family groups. It's weaponry includes the three horns, spikes on the back of its rear legs- good for slashing at predators approaching from behind, and quills on the tail and head. With these weapons the steel hide is be more than a match for most predators on Rona. There are varieties of Steel hide found in nearly every environment on Rona. The largest is the Savannah version which is the one pictured above. The larval stage of the steel hide is a 3 inch antlike creature. When the young steelhide is produced it is 'adopted' by the wandering herds of adult Steelhide.
Lora
Height: 3 ft
Length:6 1/2 ft
Weight:60 lbs
The Lora is a specialized predator of the plains.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of Injis. They hunt by using their incredible hearing to hear the Injis moving in their tunnels. Once located the Lora stabs it's beak into the earth and more often than not comes up with a meal. The lora has few physical defenses against predators so, it's main wepon is bluffing. When attacked it rears up on it's hind legs and display's it's brightly colored underside. It then hisses and strikes out like a snake. If this fails to deter a predator it will run at about 40 MPH for the nearest tree.