#classification: fungi

[bildadtheshuhitestudies]

Day 9/14, 8th September, 2023 – Friday

Today wasn't as productive as I wanted it to be. I had a test in my tuition class, so I studied my botany chapter for that because that was the only subject I really had the time/motivation to do. I don't really know how it went, but my physics class before the test had gone well! I finally understood some of the motion problems the teacher was teaching, and I think I got one of those kinds right on the test (which is improvement, baby steps, ok?). Either way, even though it wasn't the most productive day, I still think it went well.

[er-cryptid]

Myxomycota

-- true slime molds

-- live on forest floors

-- a fungus-like protist

-- appear as a shapeless glob of slime

-- varying colors -> white -> yellow -> red

-- life cycle begins as a multinucleated mass called a plasmodium

-- glides about in an amoeboid fashion

-- engulf small bits of organic matter

-- nuclei are diploid

-- stops moving and develops stalk-like structures with rounded knobs on top

.

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[starlighttaylorsversion]

KP COFT GS

(kingdom phylum/division class order family tribe(not necessary ik but ek phd wale sir hume padha diya tha) Genus Species)

studied up

[vivechan]

The Classification Of Plants

The Classification Of Plants The Classification Of Plants Classification Of Plants The Plant Kingdom Is Divided Into Two Sub-Kingdoms, Thallophyta And Embryophyta. Under Thalophyta – Algae , Fungi , Bacteria Are Studied . Algae They Are Autotrophic , That Is, They Make Their Own Food. Algae Grow On Fresh Water (Rivers, Ponds, Springs Etc.) And Fresh Water (Sea Water), Mountains, Trees,…

[the-oblivious-writer]

A Loving Distraction

Wednesday Addams x Reader

One-shot

Summary: Wednesday attempts what’s meant to be a study session, but being the distraction you are, you had other plans in mind.

Warning(s): kissing, established relationship, and no pronouns

Notes: dedicated to @101rizzlrr - ask and I shall deliver

You stare at your phone, thumb hovering over the text you're about to send to Wednesday. The message reads: "Meet me in the library? Promise to actually study this time."

The memory of your last "study session" brings a smile to your face. You'd spent more time debating the merits of different torture methods throughout history than actually reviewing for finals. Not that you minded - Wednesday's passionate defense of the rack over the iron maiden had been oddly endearing.

Your phone buzzes with her reply: "Bold of you to imply I was the distraction last time. But fine. West wing, third floor. Don't be late."

Twenty minutes later, you're climbing the worn stone steps of Nevermore Academy's library. The afternoon light filters through the Gothic windows, casting long shadows across the floor. You spot Wednesday at her usual table, surrounded by a fortress of leather-bound books. She's wearing her signature black dress, white collar crisp and perfect despite the late hour.

"You're four minutes late," she says without looking up from her notes.

"I brought a peace offering." You place a steaming cup of black coffee - no sugar, no cream - next to her elbow. "And I was delayed by Principal Weems giving her weekly lecture about proper uniform length to some poor first year."

"Excuses." But she takes the coffee, and you catch the slight softening around her eyes that passes for a smile in Wednesday's world. "I assume you're here because you're still struggling with Advanced Poisons?"

You slide into the chair across from her, pulling out your own textbook. "Some of us didn't grow up taste-testing deadly nightshade."

"Your loss. Mother always said it builds character." She reaches for your notebook, scanning your latest attempts at categorizing toxic fungi. "Your classification system is almost painfully wrong. Look at this - you've put death caps under 'slow-acting.' They can kill within 48 hours."

"Not everyone shares your enthusiasm for mortality rates," you tease, leaning closer to see where she's marking corrections in precise red ink. Her hair smells faintly of rain and graveyard dirt - a scent you've come to associate with comfort, oddly enough.

"Clearly. Which is why you need my help." She pauses, dark eyes flickering to yours. "Though I suppose there are worse ways to spend an afternoon than ensuring you don't accidentally poison yourself with basic mushroom identification."

"Aw, you do care."

"Don't be ridiculous." But her knee bumps yours under the table, and stays there.

The next hour passes in a comfortable rhythm of studying and bickering. Wednesday corrects your work with cutting efficiency, while you try to distract her by suggesting increasingly outlandish uses for non-lethal poisons. ("Think about it - just enough to make the entire school board mildly nauseated during budget meetings.")

"Focus," she chides, but there's amusement lurking in her voice. "Unless you want to explain to your parents why you failed this semester."

"They'd understand. I'd just tell them I was distracted by my brilliant, beautiful girlfriend who happens to be a walking encyclopedia of death."

"Flattery will get you nowhere." She turns a page with deliberate precision. "And that's not even close to my most impressive quality."

You lean forward, resting your chin on your hand. "Oh? Do tell."

"I can name at least fifteen ways to incapacitate someone with items found in this library alone." Her eyes meet yours, challenging. "Would you like a demonstration?"

"Tempting, but I think the librarian is still mad about last time." You reach across the table, fingers brushing her wrist. "Besides, I can think of better uses for our time."

Wednesday arches an eyebrow. "Can you now?"

The tension shifts, electric and familiar. You stand slowly, walking around the table until you're beside her chair. She turns to face you, expression unreadable but for the slight catch in her breath when you lean down.

"Much better uses," you murmur, and then you're kissing her. Her lips are cool against yours, tasting of coffee and secrets. One of her hands finds its way to your collar, pulling you closer with that controlled intensity that is so uniquely Wednesday.

You break apart at the sound of footsteps approaching, though you don't go far. Wednesday's normally pale cheeks have the faintest hint of color, and you can't help feeling a bit smug about that.

"That was…" she starts.

"Distracting?" you offer with a grin.

"Entirely inappropriate for a study session." But she's fighting a smile now, the real kind that makes her look almost human. "We have an exam tomorrow."

"True." You brush a strand of dark hair from her face. "But I'd argue that was an excellent practical demonstration of biological responses to stimuli."

Wednesday rolls her eyes, but she's definitely smiling now. "Your scientific method needs work."

"Then I suppose we'll need more practice." You gesture to the towering shelves around you. "We have the whole library."

"You're impossible." She stands, gathering her books with precise movements. "Come on."

"Where are we going?"

"To find somewhere more private for your… research." She gives you a look that makes your heart skip. "Unless you'd rather stay here and actually study?"

You grab your bag, already following her toward the stacks. "Lead the way."

-----------

A/N: nice little one-shot before I post more angst

[valtsv]

Can u talk more about ur opinion/how u see angels pls

yeah sure! so to me the word "angel" is a classification of living being, much like fungi, plants and animals are all seperate categories by which living things are grouped. angels are actually closer in nature to machines than humans or other animals. they're essentially tools, designed to carry out the wishes of their creator with devotion, and created to serve a purpose. they don't inherently possess free will, because this would strip them of their purpose, which is why angels who develop free will 'fall' - they can't existentially be angels anymore. angelic forms are metaphysical, and more symbolic than literal.

[elbiotipo]

do you think a hypothetical highly developed alien species, i.e. sapient, would have a body form much different from that of a human, beyond things such as taxonomic classification? the human body is essentially purpose-made to function as the best possible instrument of labor, with dextrous hands, an upright posture, long maneuverable limbs, etc. as labor is what seperates us from animals and what allows our life.

I've had this debate, I think that's an anthropocentric argument. Let's revise what are considered some of the "smartest" animals, in terms of problem solving, sociality, abstract thought, etc:

Primates, which are 99% identical to us

Cetaceans (dolphins, orcas, whales)

Corvids

Parrots

Octopuses

I'm missing more than a few, but notice that besides primates, which are basically us, they all have radically different body plans. Birds and octopuses do have dextrous appendages and use them to solve problems and use tools, but as you can see the difference between each and also primates is colossal. Cetaceans don't even have manipulators, yet they display very complex social behavior and problem solving, and have what some people have called a proto-language and "culture" (controversial but more here)

It's questionable that it was labor, or the use of tools on itself, that made us humans. What makes us human is perhaps one of the hottest topics to debate, but from the time I studied anthropology, it is not any anatomical feature, it seems to be abstract thought and culture. Abstract thought, as my professor put it, is the ability to imagine and concieve of something that doesn't exist yet (or cannot exist, or cannot be seen materially, like ideas) and managing to create it in real life, to take it out your mind so to speak and change the material world. Culture is the ability to transfer ideas from generation to generation through social learning. Many animals have social learning, but few (except maybe, maybe, cetaceans and corvids) have culture. I think this is key, for example octopuses are very smart, and they do have social skills, but they don't transfer any of those skills to the next generation or to their fellows, they don't really have a society*. Humans do; every single human being is shaped by culture, shares it and changes it and modifies it.

It was once thought that humans first evolved abstract thought and that "forced us" to become upright and use tools, now we know this isn't the case. Australopithecus already had upright bipedal posture, free hands for tool use, and it was probably pretty smart, yet it would have remained simply a bipedal ape if not by the development of abstract thought and culture. It's not like other animals don't have similar things, it's that humans are so incredibly defined by it that it makes our way of life unique.

With regards to alien life, well, we've seen incredibly complex behavior arise in animals as different as mollusks and vertebrates. I believe that alien life will look indeed, very, very alien, especially since the development of our own multicellular life was very bumpy and strange. But you know what's interesting? I believe that while we would have many differences between us and any alien civilization, we would be able to communicate and understand each other, to which degree I cannot say. Because, if what I say is true, and abstract thought and culture, mediated by language, are what create social animals capable of society and 'civilization', it means that there is a language that can be translated, and if that is the case, we can talk with them. About what? I cannot say.

(unless, like Lynn Marguillis has done a decent case for, the nervous system has its origin on modified microtubules, which are the result of endosymbiosis, and so it's a unique thing to animals and probably to Earth itself... then again, even slime molds, which are fungi, are able to display behavior similar to nervous systems, so I don't think this is a limitation)

*well, there's Octopolis and Octlantis, but that's more of individuals living together rather than a social group

[joekitsu]

Kryptonians: Fungal Analogues?

A semi-comprehensive study by Kitsu

X / Next ->

Overview: To analyse the anatomy and communal habits of the alien species Kryptona filius [Latin, Kryptona: <of> Krypton - native planet; filius: ‘child/son’ (Child of Krypton)], common name ‘Kryptonians’ for documentation and further research.

Krypton is a Planet with a red sun in Sector 1003 (see Green Lantern corps documentation), with a diverse biosphere and a highly intelligent dominant species. Kryptonians, as they have been named, look to be quite humanoid (bipedal with 4 limbs and a distinct cranial space). On a surface level, they appear to share physical traits with human kind, but that seems to be where their similarities end.

They show technological advancements beyond human levels, heirarchal systems, guilds and a well established henotheistic religious system.

[Rao-orthodox Religion, also known as Raoism for short, is the primary religion of Krypton. Adherents of this religion worship the god Rao, which is based on the planet’s sun. The religion also includes a pantheon of 14 major deities, 203 demigods, and over 1000 Titans. The religion’s main sacred text is ‘the Book of Rao’, which contains a wealth of religious and historical information.]

Running Hypothesis: Kryptonians have exhibited habits analogous to Earth-based fungal growth habits (reproductive and communal). Traits appear to be based on environmental factors (climatic conditions, food availability, cross species interactions, etc.), and can be pinpointed to certain specific fungal species.

It is to be noted that characteristics of multiple related or non-related fungi appear commonly in their species. Morphological differences within each community emerge from genetic mutations and extensive species isolation to their respective biome conditions.

Addressed topics: Anatomical and ethological topics to be covered as follows -

Organ systems (A) [Common features]

Morphological differences in isolated communities (A) [Biome-based classification]

Mode of nutrition and dietary habits (A)

Pathogenic resistance (A)

Cross-community interactions (C)

Parent-offspring relationships (C)

Heirarchal structures and Socio-politics (C)

Topic 1: Organ systems:

General overview of anatomy -

Kryptonians appear to share some morphological characteristics with humans and other alien species, specifically their neural network being largely concentrated in the head (cranium) and a similar facial structure. Studies have shown that the number of neural connections in the brain of an adult Kryptonian far surpasses the number of connections in a human adult (there are approx. 142 billion neurons in a Kryptonian brain as compared to the approx. 86 billion of a human). These connections appear to be heavily interlinked with each other, often overlapping and forming multiple associations (perhaps this explains their extraordinary memory). The synaptic plasticity of the Kryptonian brain is high, forming new connections and strengthening itself constantly.

For as advanced as the brain of a Kryptonian is, their body anatomy is much simpler and way more different than expected.

Respiratory system:

Kryptonians appear to not have a complex respiratory network, instead possessing something similar to amphibians and mushrooms.

The atmospheric composition of Krypton is found to largely be nitrogen [89%] followed by oxygen [10%] and other gases (Carbon dioxide, noble gases, water vapour, etc,.) [1%]. Kryptonian bodies appear to be aerobic, breathing mainly through thin layers of porous and delicate skin. The epidermis consists of a few tough, highly porous outer layers that protect the body from physical damage and thin inner layers capable of filtering impurities and unneeded molecules from the air taken in by the Kryptonian. The inner layers directly filter into their version of a circulatory system via diffusion.

The inner layers of skin are highly folded over one another to increase surface area for absorption, resembling the gills of a mushroom.

Considering the lack of a respiratory organ like the lung of a human, the presence of structures similar to nostrils on the ‘face’ of a Kryptonian stumps researchers. Some suggest a more direct and concentrated oxygen source to the neural network [the ‘nostrils’ are lined with multiple heavily folded layers of ‘gills’, twice more than other areas of the body], and it is the most accepted hypothesis.

(Case 1; Subject Kal-El:

- In the presence of a yellow sun [radiation], a Kryptonian's skin becomes impervious to physical damage and regenerates at a speed quadruple the original. Conversely, in the presence of Green Kryptonite [radioactive mineral - mainly emitting beta- and gamma-radiation; Kryptonian origin], the same skin deteriorates, losing its integrity and becoming weaker. Additionally, different variants of the Kryptonite seem to affect the skin differently. Further studies into these effects to be done.

- Krypton's atmospheric oxygen levels are very low when compared to that of Earth, which points to Kryptonians not being as dependent on oxygen as a human and/or possessing an extremely efficient respiratory system and cells that utilize the least oxygen possible. Upon analysis, Kal-El exhibits a higher reading of dissolved oxygen in the blood than strictly necessary. The effects of increased oxygen levels to be studied: potential for oxygen poisoning? Is the increased regeneration provided by the yellow sun responsible for uninterrupted life?)

Circulatory system:

Kryptonians lack complex networks of vessels that carry 'blood' to their cells; they lack a lymphocytic system all together. Their plasma-like fluid [water based, carrying proteins, hormones, enzymes, etc,.] flows freely into the coelom (i,e., fluid-filled body cavity) carrying dissolved oxygen and nutrients. This 'blood' lacks blood cells and platelets, distributing oxygen via wide-spread diffusion instead.

Despite lacking hemoglobin, Kryptonian blood appears red in colour due to the presence of a pigment atromentin [IUPAC name: (2,5-dihydroxy-3,6-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-benzoquinone)], a naturally occurring organic molecule found in Agaricomycetes fungi in the orders Agaricales and Thelephorales . It possesses properties similar to heparin, an anticoagulant used in medical practises.

<attached below: Chemical structure of atromentin>

<attached below: synthesis of atromentin and its derivatives>

Young Kryptonians show a bright red pigment while older Kryptonians show a duller, muted red. The corelation to their health is so far unknown.

Digestive system:

Kryptonians do not have a complex multi-organ system for digestion. Instead, they possess one dense, oddly crystalline organ in their torso that directly connects to their mouths via an oesophagus-like structure. This organ [now named 'The Core' for aesthetic purposes; the junior researchers were enthusiastic in naming it as such] contains highly destructive enzymes that are capable of digesting a vast array of materials harmful to other organisms with ease. Subject Kal-El has eaten various materials, including and not limited to: rocks, metal, uncooked meat, overcooked meat, radioactive materials (uranium, caesium), magma, etc,.

Each subspecies of Kryptonians exhibit different dietary habits based on their biomes and specific adaptations, which will be separately explored later on.

The core has separate sections that target specific nutrients, breaking them down and absorbing them, filtering directly into the circulatory system to be transported to the cells. The Kryptonian digestive system is very effective, producing very little in terms of food waste. The waste is transported to an organ analogous to the large intestine in function [aptly named the Intestine] and is excreted via an anal opening.

Kryptonians also seem to not produce nitrogen-based waste (ammonia, urea and uric acid), instead using them for growth and metabolism. They utilize specialized cells for nitrogen fixation, recycling the nitrogen compounds into compounds useful for the body. Whatever meagre amounts are left out are transported to the intestine and excreted with the food waste.

Nervous system:

Kryptonian bodies have a well developed nervous system, consisting of specialized nerve cells that react to stimulus and pain. The receptors for pain appear to be less sensitive than those of a human, pointing towards a different pain threshold for the species.

The Central Nervous system is analogous to the human CNS, perhaps even more advanced. The Peripheral Nervous system is widespread and lightning quick, allowing for extremely fast reflexes, extreme control of bodily functions and heightened senses for survival.

(Case 2; Subject Kal-El: The presence of the yellow sun's radiation appears to have enhanced the Nervous system of the subject, increasing his senses to levels much much higher than animal life on earth, along with seemingly unrelated abilities that do not necessarily tie into general bodily functions i,e., 'lazer' vision, flight, etc,. The effects are to be studied further. To determine if there is a preceding condition to awaken such abilities.)

Skeletal (and Muscular) system:

The Kryptonian skeletal system is largely made up of cells with high depositions of calcium in them. These cells do not replicate, nor do they grow. They are functionally dead, similar to the nails and hair of a human.

The skeletal system of a Kryptonian appears to be analogous to a human, with a formed cranium, a dorsal spine, a formed ribcage, a pelvic girdle, etc,. These 'bones' form joints and are connected by mycelium-like cells analogous to muscles.

Curiously, their skeletal system seems to have some amount of caesium and its isotope in the structure. The essential nature of caesium in the Kryptonian anatomy is a debated topic amongst researchers till date.

Endocrine system:

The Kryptonian endocrine system consists of multiple specialized cell clusters forming 'glands'. These glands secrete hormones directly into the circulatory system.

Since the circulatory system is open, specific cells have signalling systems for different hormones (Ex: reproductive hormones acting specifically on the reproductive system; growth factors influencing every cell in the body).

The endocrine system consists of glands that produce growth factors [compounds similar in structure and function to plant hormones], reproductive hormones, response hormones [adrenaline, noradrenaline, etc,.], mood affecting hormones, and insulin, glucagon and somatostatin [hormones produced by the pancreas; regulate blood sugar levels].

Reproductive system:

The reproductive habits of Kryptonians are interesting: they are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction [parthenogenesis] based on the conditions.

Generally, there exists a sexual dimorphism between the sexes; differing gametes and reproductive organs. However, some subspecies of Kryptonians do not exhibit sexual dimorphism amongst themselves ( a topic that will be explored later in detail with regards to the subspecies).

Kryptonian reproductive habits are closely linked to their social conventions as well. Unions between different subspecies has been encouraged to promote genetic diversity and combat the isolation of each subspecies (more in Topics 5 through 7).

Next Section ->

Aight Fungi!Kryptonians are stuck in brain (thank you circus you know who you are) and I’ve delved too deep into the trenches now I’ve got ThoughtsTM and they aren’t leaving we gotta write. This took wayyyyyy too long to put together and I am not satisfied with the level of detail on some of these sections, maybe I'll revist them if people ask about it. I had to make a whole naming convention for this 💀 maybe I'll compile that sometime

Anyways this is just a silly au I made up, it is fantasy through and through, I am simply using fungi as a base for this specific iteration of kryptonian biology :3 please don't come at me for accuracy.

Reference fungi used:

Bleeding Tooth Fungus [Hydnellum peckii] - Atromentin pigment for red blood

Image sources: Wikipedia, ScienceDirect.com

@skylariumrose @murmeloni thank you for your help in the making of this monstrosity :3 yall and Beef and Nomer are the circus

@cheriecelestial :3 it's here

[jessaerys]

it's prohibitely expensive to eat ethically euthanized meat and cruelty free dairy/eggs etc which is why im making an effort to eat less animal products and ideally go vegan which is not the same as considering all meat eating to be unethical. i'm just broke. it's evolutionarily natural as we are ominivores is a compelling argument. to me. but i know not-insane people (ie. not the "kill all obligate carnivore natural predators" weirdos) do argue that as ethical thinking beings that can survive without meat we have an obligation not to kill if it's not necessary for survival. which i can understand even if i disagree but my reasoning is that i think we will eventually discover and are discovering that plants possess forms of sentience (wherein sentience is not the same as but a primitive form of consciousness), memory, intelligence, observation skills and social behaviors (forests for example keep alive certain respected members of the community after they've been felled thru root sharing, as well as communicate and even depend on social networks of underground fungi. there is a plant that mimics the leaves of the plant it is climbing over through some form of vision, as experiments show it will even mimic plastic plants) then what is a bitch going to do. eat rocks. i already dislike the sentience hierarchy that exists within animal classifications. id rather bc ok with ending some sentient lives as morally neutral when done without cruelty than have a crisis in 2075 when we discover plants have feelings. legitimately can't tell how fringe this is but i think it has internal logic at the very least. they need to invent an as-seen-on-tv countertop machine that easily spears lobsters in the head japanese style. sorry i forgot where i was going with this

[valy-gc]

Well I.....

I don't know....

Name:Lepterix(Lepterix confusus)

(Lepus = Hare + Pteryx = Wing/Feather + Confusus = Confused)

Classification:

Family: Avian-Mammalian Hybrid (distinct from true birds or rodents)

Type: Omnivorous Cursorial Flier

Habitat: Open plains, rolling hills, and ancient ruins

Size & Build:

Height: Around 1.8 meters (6 feet) at the head when standing upright.

2.5 meters (8 ft) wingspan

Hollow bones, extremely lightweight (10-12 kg / 22-26 lbs)

Long hare-like legs for fast ground sprinting

Small rodent-like tail for balance

Bright, nonsensical color patterns that scream "I am venomous" but I’m not.

Abilities & Behavior:

Acrobatic Escape: Can jump, twist, and actually kick really hard… when remember it can do that.

Sprinting Disaster: Fast as hell but no sense of direction.

Flight? Almost. It flaps like crazy but mostly just violently glides into things.

Mimicry Attempt: It tries to hiss like a snake but usually just makes a confused squeak.

Zero Object Permanence: Hides food, forgets where. Finds food, surprised every time.

Will Eat Rocks. No one knows why. It does not digest them.

Panic Reflex: If confused (which is always), it honks loudly and runs in a random direction.

Surprisingly Durable: Somehow survives despite throwing itself into trees, walls, and rivers.

Intelligence Level: Rock.

Absolutely no survival instincts.

Runs full speed into walls constantly.

Will forget why it started running in the first place.

If threatened, it will stare blankly for three seconds before remembering to run.

If left unattended, it will forget what it was doing within seconds.

Runs toward danger just as often as away from it.

Will attempt to eat anything that fits in its mouth.

Can and will get stuck in places that shouldn't even be possible.

Easily distracted by movement, light, and sometimes just… nothing at all.

How can this thing survive in the wild?

Social Structure:

Lives in flocks of equally dumb friends.

Accidental Teamwork: If one panics, they all panic, causing stampedes.

Mates for Life (Somehow): If two bond, they stay together… mainly because they both forget to leave.

Extreme Herd Mentality: If one randomly starts running, the others immediately follow—even if they don’t know why.

Diet:

Omnivorous: Eats insects, berries, nuts, small lizards, rocks, and fungi

Magpie Instinct: Fascinated by shiny objects, collects them in burrows

Domestication & Uses:

Messenger Animal? Only if you want the message delivered to a tree.

Living Alarm System: Will screech at literally nothing in the dead of night.

Fashion Statement: Some nobles keep them as status pets, but mostly as a joke.

[sasaleletrebol]

*puts you on the ominous furnace*

I heard certain plants can make you high as hell.

Oh yes indeed. Several types of organisms in the fungi kingdom are hallucinogenic. And while we're on the subject, they themselves are related to clover. The blood and "flesh" of it are considered poisonous. They are created from part of these substances and can be treated as marijuana if smoked.

Did you know that mushrooms are not technically plants? Or animals? While they share characteristics with both, they have their own "kingdom" classification.

Pretty cool right?

... your oven is a little slow my friend

Oh, while I'm baking I want to tell you about how mushrooms are like the messengers of trees.

When one of those giants is dying the fungi can carry signals to the roots of other trees so that they can pass on the nutrients and water needed for it to recover.

This is how you find so many giant trees in the most populated forests.

They all act as their own community helping each other.

Damn it's getting hot.

Hey did you know that the sun is a little yellow star? Speaking of stars, did you know that the brightest star in the sky is called Sirius? Alfa Canis Maioris.

And the most likely to explode is our favorite red supergiant Betelgeuse? It's in the belt of the Orion Constellation, when this happens a supernova is going to happen that will be visible on earth for days!

There are things living in your skin, your eyes, your hair, your saliva, your stomach. We're talking about microorganisms. One I can name are tardigrades, they're super cute, Google them.

The first song sung by a computer was Daisy Bell.

The largest male reproductive member in the animal kingdom is the whale.

I'm hungry, bro, why don't you cook me with some potatoes or something to give it flavor, just dry? No shit, better make me a salad.

By the way, spice is not a flavor, it is a defense mechanism of the plant so that you don't eat it... of course, humans don't give a shit about it.

[theconstitutionisgayculture]

Excerpt from the unpublished essay:

In the Freethought Now article “What is a woman?” author Kat Grant struggles at length to define the word, rejecting one definition after another as flawed or incomplete. Grant finally settles on a definition based on self-identity: “A woman is whoever she says she is.” This of course is a tautology, and still leaves open the question of what a woman really is. And the remarkable redefinition of a term with a long biological history can be seen only as an attempt to force ideology onto nature. Because some nonbinary people—or men who identify as women (“transwomen”)—feel that their identity is not adequately recognized by biology, they choose to impose ideology onto biology and concoct a new definition of “woman.” Further, there are plenty of problems with the claim that self-identification maps directly onto empirical reality. You are not always fat if you feel fat (the problem with anorexia), not a horse if you feel you’re a horse (a class of people called “therians” psychologically identify as animals), and do not become Asian simply become you feel Asian (the issue of “transracialism”). But sex, Grant tells us, is different: It is the one biological feature of humans that can be changed solely by psychology. But why should sex be changeable while other physical traits cannot? Feelings don’t create reality. Instead, in biology “sex” is traditionally defined by the size and mobility of reproductive cells (“gametes”). Males have small, mobile gametes (sperm in animals and pollen in plants); females have large, immobile gametes (ova in plants and eggs in animals). In all animals and vascular plants there are exactly two sexes and no more. Though a fair number of plants and a few species of animals combine both functions in a single individual (“hermaphrodites”), these are not a third sex because they produce the typical two gametes. It’s important to recognize that, although this gametic idea is called a “definition” of sex, it is really a generalization—and thus a concept—based on a vast number of observations of diverse organisms. We know that, except for a few algae and fungi, all multicellular organisms and vertebrates, including us, adhere to this generalization. It is, then, nearly universal... Yes, there is a tiny fraction of exceptions, including intersex individuals, who defy classification (estimates range between 1/5,600 and 1/20,000). These exceptions to the gametic view are surely interesting, but do not undermine the generality of the sex binary. Nowhere else in biology would deviations this rare undermine a fundamental concept. To illustrate, as many as 1 in 300 people are born with some form of polydactyly—without the normal number of ten fingers. Nevertheless, nobody talks about a “spectrum of digit number.” (It’s important to recognize that only a very few nonbinary and transgender people are “intersex,” for nearly all are biologically male or female.)

[fungi-and-a-funguy]

Daily Fungi Fact 143: Systema Mycologicum is a classification of fungi made in 1821 by the Swedish mycologist Elias Magnus Fries, it took him 11 years to complete it. Systema Mycologicum was the 1st system of classification for fungi.

[spinnysocks]

saw a poll of which animal you'd choose to be reincarnated as and i wanted to create a broader range of options that included more families & organisms! so:

the ( ) brackets are for anyone who's not sure which species comes under each classification.

please feel free to specify in the tags, and please reblog for a larger sample size! <3

[blessed-curse]

The Tree of Immortality & Desire

Ambrosia – The Food of the Gods:

Throughout history, myths, and legends, there have been whispers of a divine substance—Ambrosia, the Nectar of the Gods. Said to grant eternal youth, immortality, and unparalleled power, this fruit has been revered, coveted, and fought over by civilizations long lost to time. But few knew the truth: Ambrosia was neither myth nor miracle—it was a biological anomaly, a by-product of death and desperate ambition.

The Birth of Ambrosia:

The fall of Atlantis was not just the end of a civilization—it was the beginning of something far more extraordinary and terrifying.

The Atlanteans, known for their superior intellect and mastery over genetic manipulation, had spent centuries experimenting with their own biology, seeking ways to transcend mortality and elevate themselves to godhood. These experiments, however, came at a terrible cost. When Atlantis fell, so too did its people. Their lifeless bodies, infused with potent experimental serums, sank to the ocean floor, becoming a macabre garden bed for something unnatural.

Over the course of a millennium, a transformation occurred. The genetic remnants of the Atlanteans, combined with their unstable creations, merged with deep-sea flora and fungi, giving birth to a new species of plant—one that should not exist. A single tree sprouted from the wreckage, nourished by the very essence of the Atlantean dead.

And from this tree, Ambrosia was born.

Nature & Properties of Ambrosia:

Ambrosia is unlike any known biological entity. It thrives without sunlight, without oxygen, without the conditions necessary for conventional plant life. Yet it grows—feeding off something beyond comprehension.

Physical Traits:

• The fruit is infinitely ambiguous, appearing different to each observer. Some describe it as a luminous golden apple, others as a shimmering crimson berry, and some as a glowing pearl-like orb.

• Its scent is irresistibly intoxicating, capable of entrancing those who inhale its aroma, overwhelming them with an insatiable urge to consume it.

• The flesh is dense yet paradoxically weightless, containing an otherworldly nectar that shimmers like liquid starlight.

Genetic & Molecular Structure:

• Ambrosia contains a genetic structure that is neither fully botanical nor mammalian, placing it within the Mixotroph classification.

• Inside its DNA are traces of Atlantean genetic material fused with an unknown RNA structure, whose nucleobases do not match anything in the known evolutionary tree of life.

• It contains uranium at nuclear fusion levels, yet emits no radiation, defying the very laws of physics and suggesting a form of cold fusion at a molecular level.

Effects of Ambrosia:

Upon Consumption:

• Alters stem cells, rewriting a being’s genetic code to accommodate immense changes.

• Grants unimaginable power, with effects that vary from individual to individual.

• Triggers an evolutionary leap, awakening abilities beyond human comprehension.

• Completely restructures the blood, replacing it with Ichor—a golden, luminous liquid toxic to ordinary humans.

The Blood of the Gods – Ichor

• Those who consume Ambrosia no longer have human blood, but rather Ichor, an ethereal substance.

• Ichor is highly volatile—even a single drop entering a human’s bloodstream can kill instantly or, in rare cases, cause an unpredictable transformation.

• Some beings with awakened gifts can manipulate their Ichor, using it to heal or even grant limited immortality to others.

The Curse of Ambrosia:

Despite its divine nature, Ambrosia is not without its perils.

• Only those with Atlantean heritage can consume it safely.

• If an ordinary human eats an unripe Ambrosia, they will experience instantaneous cellular disintegration.

• Even those with Atlantean bloodlines can only tolerate it in diluted forms due to the thinning of their genetic connection over the millennia.

Overconsumption leads to something worse than death. If one surpasses their body’s limit, they undergo a horrific metamorphosis, becoming something unrecognizable—neither god nor human, but a monstrous aberration of power.

The Rediscovery of Ambrosia (2070):

In the year 2070, twin Russian marine biologists, Arseny and Alexei Nikolaev, embarked on an expedition into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, unknowingly stumbling upon one of the greatest discoveries in human history.

While conducting deep-sea research 10 km from the ruins of Atlantis(Unfortunately they didn't discover Atlantis but did find Ambrosia), their submersible's instruments detected anomalous energy readings and an unexplained biological presence. As they ventured deeper, they encountered something that defied all scientific reasoning:

A grove of impossibly lush trees, thriving in the crushing abyss of the ocean floor.

What they found was not just plant life, but something beyond the natural order—an ecosystem that should not exist. In the center of this biome stood The Tree of Immortality & Desire, its branches bearing luminous fruit that pulsed with an unnatural energy.

Scientific Analysis & Revelation:

After retrieving samples, the twins conducted rigorous tests in their private laboratory. Their findings were nothing short of revolutionary.

• The fruit’s molecular structure defied logic.

• It contained traces of a lost human evolutionary branch, suggesting a direct connection to the Atlanteans.

• It emitted no radiation despite containing uranium at fusion levels, hinting at a stabilized form of cold fusion.

• The fruit’s RNA structure was unlike anything recorded in Earth’s biological history.

The most shocking discovery came when they exposed human stem cells to a diluted extract of the fruit. Instead of rejecting it, certain samples integrated with the foreign material, triggering rapid genetic mutations.

This was no ordinary fruit. This was the origin of the myths of gods.

The Nikolaev Experiment & The Beginning of Human Evolution

Arseny and Alexei realized the truth:

Ambrosia was the missing link in human evolution.

Some humans possessed a dormant genetic code, a remnant of their Atlantean ancestors. When exposed to Ambrosia in small, controlled doses, these individuals underwent genetic awakening, gaining extraordinary abilities.

Convinced that human evolution had stagnated for too long, the Nikolaev twins devised a plan: To distribute Ambrosia’s essence in a way that would gradually reshape humanity.

They founded Nikolaev Biotech, a front company through which they secretly introduced trace amounts of Ambrosia into the global population—via pharmaceuticals, energy drinks, and medical treatments.

Thus, the first seeds of the modern superhuman era were unknowingly planted.

Image Reference:

The Ambrosia Tree, an ethereal twisted looking tree that bears golden fruit known as Ambrosia.

Ripening still, as seen by the large golden energy lights that moves throughout the fruit, like miniature galaxies.

Once ripened it will fall from the tree, and have it's little lights become smaller, resembling stars or thousands of mini lights and will take on a more solid red golden texture and colour.

[ladyiristheenchantress]

Sick Day Magic

It may come as a shock to some that I am, in fact, a human being and not a 500 year old oak tree with internet access. /j

Being human, and actually being alive, means you will get sick! Exploring biology for my biomed degree has taught me a lot of things about virus's, bacteria, and how exactly they work! For example: All living things can be effected by virus's, they are nanometers big for that reason, and not much is known about their origins here on earth which is really cool! With that said, every living thing gets sick, and with that we can pair magic to help us through our sick days!

I know I am, simply because I am writing to you now while on sick leave from all 3 of my jobs. Currently the summer flu has hit our home really hard, so lets talk about recovery!

Obvious disclaimer before getting started: Doctors, medical professionals, and health organizations are here to help you. This post is not to discourage you from using modern medicine, or seeing a doctor when you need one. I actually am very much against using spiritual bypassing to discredit medical research, especially as someone who is entering the medical field. If you are sick it is always important to speak with your doctor before trying any holistic remedies, especially if you are on medications that can conflict with herbal supplements. Know the warning signs for when symptoms escalate. This post is mainly about illnesses that can be treated at home and go away within a couple days or weeks (cold, flu, etc)

Lets get started!

How do living things get sick?

To keep this as simple as possible, living beings get sick from small organisms in a couple different classifications. You have virus's, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, and they all have one goal: to use your body as a host! Some things cant reproduce on their own like virus's so they hijack your cells, some things feed off of you and your daily body functions like parasites! In all, we are exposed to all sorts of pathogens, and our body will react with the nasty symptoms like fevers, chills, coughing, vomiting, and more because your body is trying to fight off all the pathogens using your body to reproduce. There are some circumstances where medical intervention is required however, for things like the common cold, flu, and sore throat you can find remedies over the counter!

All living things get sick, including tree's, seals, and even grasses. These pathogens are really good at evolving with us!

What did people do historically?

Before the introduction of germ theory in the 1860's, and the introduction of modern medicine in the 19th century cultures all around the world were still evolving to combat common sicknesses! From medieval Europe using cupping and leaches which assisted in medical standards and theories, to indigenous tribes using the herbs around them to pave the way for medications, cultures all over the world had their own tips and tricks for staying healthy!

In general most cultures followed a 3 way system, prevention, coping, and resistance, where methods were followed to assist in times of sickness. Often times they had distinct prayers and rituals, and would combine it with local remedies and folklore to help the general population.

Later on, herbs would pave the way for medicine as scientists discovered exactly what about an herb could help someone and isolate it into a pill, salve, or tincture!

What is some illness prevention magic?

When getting vaccinated create a prayer or chant to not only take your mind off it, but also for a metaphysical boost

leave offerings to gods of health during cold and flu season by your front door, and leave offerings to spring gods during pollen season by windows

have fire tonic, elderberry syrup, and lions main mushroom tinctures prepared (reminder: always consult a doctor)

Keep crystals like jade, green aventurine, and carnelian by your bed for health

Keep fresh flowers in the home, as scents can represent healing

Visualize sickness being repelled away from you as you practice hygiene

keep sigils in your shoes to 'draw illness back to the earth'

Mundanely make sure you are also having regular checkups (if you cant afford to see a doctor regularly, see what option you have for free clinics, or public health options like medicaid in the US), going to see your dentist because the teeth has a lot to do with health, and practicing good health habits can all be really helpful with preventing illness

What is some illness coping magic?

When sick, keep lavender and chamomile under your pillow as a sleep aid

Contrary to popular belief: Don't burn incense when you have a stuffy nose because the smoke will irritate your nose, instead use a humidifier and optionally put essential oils in it for drainage

take healing spiritual showers

create soft broths, and plain foods using kitchen magic and infusing it with intentions

Optionally if you are having trouble eating because of vomiting or fever, enchant your water bottle with healing energy with even just a simple chant

Put cold or hot compress on pressure points, optionally while you rest research what those pressure points symbolize and how you can translate that into your healing rituals from bed

visualize a healing green or blue light enveloping places that may hurt like joints or the head

Listen to gentle music or healing subliminal during naps to draw out illnesses

enchant your tissue box so every tissue you use is one less you have to use later

create a salve using willow or birch bark, camphor, mint, and chamomile for a soothing joint pain relief

Enchant medications with chants or sigils on the bottle

Mundanely, we see a lot of spiritual hacks, don't put garlic in your nose (The only reason you think it works is because it irritates your nose lining creating mucus), don't use elderberry (It puts your immune system in over drive when you are already sick and actually hinders the healing process), its better to limit herbal and holistic approaches other than things that are rich in things your body needs like fruits, veggies, and electrolytes!

Recovery goes into this much like prevention, our bodies begin to process and understand the invaders making it less likely for you to get infected by the same problem again, however as mutations grow, make sure you are taking care of yourself!

Spiritually, your body is a temple, and its the only one you have, love it and it will love you back, take care of it and it will take care of you back. As a human being I recognize the struggle that concept can be. Its easy for someone to say "just sleep lmao" without having insomnia for example. In general, finding a routine that works for you, your body, and your mind is very important! You are a spiritual being, but you are also human! Don't let people try to sell you the idea that modern medicine is out trying to hurt you, because there are people out there like me who will stand for making the medical field a safer and better place! Don't let people try to sell you the idea that your sickness is because of "bad karma" or that your "low vibes" or something silly like that because the truth is, you get sick because you are alive. Cherish being alive in all of its forms.

Fair winds friends!

And remember, if you took nothing away from this I will say it again, Cherish being alive in all of its forms.

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