[x]

deviantART

 

©2006-2009 ~Abiogenisis
Details
Submitted: October 30, 2006
Image Size: 377 KB
Resolution: 960×655
Comments: 264
Favourites & Collections: 1,926 [who?]

Views
Total: 40,514
Today: 30


Embed


Thumb

Artist's Comments

A large Earth-based company intends to use this gas giant in a nearby star system as a vast Helium 3 extraction and sales operation. However to do so the law requires an ecological damage survey to be conducted on the gas giant's moons, to be sure the operation will not damage any ecosystems on them. This large moon, only slightly smaller than earth, was found to have an advanced multicellular ecology.

The Sol Union Xenobiologist Makeba Sutphen was sent with the company when they left earth, to make sure the laws regarding alien ecosystems were followed. Here she is approached by possibly sentient natives of this large moon. Although she has a camera out now, if they get closer or show aggression she is well armed.

The species itself evolved from large aquatic creatures which resembled less broad versions of Earth stingrays. As they began to move on to land small feeding appendages on their underside grew into thicker organs to propel them, and the large side fins retracted and darkened to protect against solar radiation. Sensory appendages which stuck from the sides of the head and helped find food underwater become very useful for judging distance above water, with the eyes set so far apart.

Males, who had to compete for mating rites, developed these eye-stalks further into horns, and used them to scare off other males. They also developed a more upright stance to better compete for mates until the species was standing almost vertical. With a head now so far from the ground, the large mouth migrated to the bottom of the body, leaving the brain, eyes and breathing tube on the upper head, so as to spot danger and eat at the same time. Waste products are ejected explosively from the body from a pore on the back, to prevent contamination to the mouth.

Now able to walk upright and survive on land, the species spread across its world to become the dominant creature on the planet.

An alternative, warmer variation is here: [link]
Daily Deviation, 2006-11-14

Daily DeviationXenobiology by ~Abiogenisis is science fiction at its best. It's a breath of fresh air to see such a unique creature design, an interesting image description to match such a great drawing as well. Looking at this takes me back to my youth when browsing the bookstores for great book covers was how to buy novels. (Featured by `Aeires)

[x]

Devious Comments

Comments


wOOt!! This is incredible! And kind of scary with the alien thing but i like the moon in the backround. It looks very beautiful.
Wish I could have a look into your mind! Your ideas are very creative! *admires*
Woah!

--
:strip::strip::strip:
:strip::fear: :strip:
:strip::strip::strip:
Religion: A Human Civilization Decelerate.
RUN! Don't just stand there? looks like the alien is about to have him for lunch. Very nice looking!
:spyed:
Will
...I love it.

Alien awesomeness!

--
I suffer from a medical condition called RPTIS.
[Random Periods of Temporary Insanity Syndrome]
So if I say anything weird, that's why. No need to be alarmed, it's completely natural.
Awesome!! An instant fav.

Your alien design is haunting and i just cant stop staring at it. :omg:

--
*Apophysis - For all your fractal needs
Amazing stuff... Were you inspired by stalk-eyed flies when doing this?
Haha! Yes I was! You are the first person to get that. Bravo :p
This is just awesome! The creature design is original yet well founded in evolution, the execution is excellent. :+fav: and :+devwatch: :D

My nitpicking side however cannot help wonder what would these creatures do in a storm, gale winds and driven rain... Even with the 500 kg of weight I reckon it would have I'm not too sure it wouldn't be toppled by a strong enough wind with subsequent fatal injuries.
I don't think 10-meter-high top-heavy creature would have many places to hide in so a protective low aspect posture, their version of squatting, would be a solution to this niggling of mine.

--
Interesting Deviants
Hear my chirping on Twitter!

Site Map