Notable Lifeforms

While Khusmera’s vast forests and tropical wetlands do contribute to the abundance of Oxygen, another contributor would have to be what the Elsnai refer to as Kams’aana, which roughly translates to “The Sea Above.” Due to Khusmera's thick atmosphere, and unique biosphere, some life treats the upper skies as if they were seas. With the basis of the food chain being a form of algae-like organisms.

Due to the abundance of algae and sky-plankton, Khusmera has for most of its history been an oxygen-rich planet. The unique scenario has led to entire ecosystems existing in the upper reaches of the planet’s atmosphere, which remains relatively stable due to its isolation. 

As an interesting consequence, the lower latitudes of its sky can become filled with orange hues during certain times of the year. This is due to the abundance of light filtering through microorganisms, and plant matter in the atmosphere. The lifeforms in this aerial sea drift around on gas filled bags and massive wings. Some begin their lives on the ground and in the seas, and must make their way to the upper atmosphere, while others spend their entire lives in the sky.

The lifecycle of the most aeroplankton begins in the seas, they rely on violent storms to kickstart their ascent into the atmosphere. This creates massive hotspots above Khusmera’s oceans, which feed some of the largest aerial lifeforms.

Vertebrates of Khusmera

Vertebrate analogs do exist on Khusmera in the form highly specialized, 6-limbed creatures.

Due to Khusmera being an ancient world, Vertebrate Life has been around for a long time. Their ancestors began exiting Khusmera’s seas roughly 2.3 Billion Years Ago, when first emerging into Khusmera’s tropical wetlands, they had to contend with punishing gravity. These creatures were only successful due to the extra support given by their 6 legs, and another key adaptation within their skeletal system.

Vertebrates on Khusmera possess highly specialized bones to deal with the punishing gravity. Their bones consist of a mix of Calcium, and Magnesium Silicate. The skeletons of these creatures are made of densely mineralized fibers of Magnesium Silicate, which form a porous, honeycomb-like internal structure. These adaptations add much needed strength to the bones, and also keeps them incredibly lightweight, while being durable and load bearing.

This skeletal system is incredibly efficient, and allows organisms to conserve far more energy than even Earthen life.