Covenant Elite Morphology
Posted By: Mr Yun<tkkai@aol.com>
Date: 7 May 2003, 6:12 AM
Read/Post Comments
|
Office of Naval Intelligence Xeno-Biological Studies
827-00-01
Date: January 03, 2526 (Military Calendar)
Encryption Code: Red
Public Key: NA
Author(s): Dr. Benjamin Warren Resler Ph.D., (civilian Identification Number: [Classified])
Subject: Covenant Elite Morphology
Classification: Restricted (BGX Directive)
/start file/
Authors Note: It is my feeling the findings herein were not obtained using established scientific methodology, and are therefore unfit for publication. However, the Office of Naval Intelligence has deemed that this information should be compiled quickly to aid the war effort.
This study was performed under the stress of battle and away from a proper lab environment. In addition, the specimen was in poor condition due to the work of over-zealous marines. Trauma to much of the chest and head, prevented conclusive identification of all internal organs. Most notable was damage to the brain. Though of strategic importance, there was not enough of the organ for relavant study.
Further study on multiple specimens will be necessary to validate these preliminary findings.
-B. W. Resler
Covenant Elite Morphology
General morphology
The specimen is quadradactyl, bipedal, digitigrade; and is generally consistent with predator morphology. The specimen has vertebrae similar to acoelous vertebrae found in most mammals. The most notable variation is the presence of a prominent notochord, despite the developed vertebrae. Consistent with respiratory findings [see Respiratory System], the sternum and ribs are similar in structure to humans and primates. A proportionally large calvarium and frontal bone house the specimen's brain. An large developed dorsal ridge protrudes from the frontal bone, as well as smaller lateral ossifications extending out from the parietal bones.
It should be noted that the specimen has undersized orbital fosa and eyes for a predatory animal. Further study would be needed to determine if this is of strategic importance. The specimen has atypical jaw structure, with four tempromandibular joints and two, split, multiple-eversible, mandibles. The apparent inefficiency in jaw design is compensated by additional teeth. The specimen's blood is purple in color; it is reactive to UV light and has bioluminescent characteristics. Though tests are not complete, based on the blood color it can be inferred that the specimen is not a carbon-based life form.
Caudal structures are proportionally larger and more developed than proximal structures. The specimen has four, proportionately large, metatarsals and metacarpals. With pes phalanges split between the second and third toe. The specimen has opposable thumbs with four digits on each manus. Leg muscle structure is atypical of other digitigrade. Early analysis reveals unexpected pinnate and parallel muscle groups throughout the specimen. All distal musculature scanned extremely low in myoglobin content. Low myglobin could indicate that the species would tire quickly with sustained activity. However, taking into account the specimen's overall muscle mass as well as previously unidentified muscle groups, the author would caution that assumption.
Integument
Orderly dermal collagen content/structure suggests morphological necessity for reduced surface distortion, indicating environmental interaction with water or other dynamic forces. Multicellular mucal and poison epidermal glands are present, however (surprisingly) vestigial unicellular glands also present in the specimen. Tests determined glandular secretions are of low toxicity. The author speculates that secretions are part of normal antimicrobial processes, and not a defensive mechanism. Dermal/epidermal cellular analysis indicates the specimen may be capable of cutaneous respiration. Testing and observation of live specimens would be needed for further determination.
Circulatory System
The vivisection revealed two hearts, symetrically opposed in the central chest cavity along the midsagittal plane. The hearts are evolutionarily primative, but are neccessary due to the species multiple respiratory means [See Respiratory System]. Similar to terran lungfish, they contain partial interatrial septum a partial interventricular septum. The conus arteriosus contains a spiral valve presumably to prevent mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The innefficiencies of the hearts are apparently compensated for by the two working in tandem.
Respiratory System
Respiratory morphology has similarities to mammalian structures, including a diaphragm and intercostal muscles. This is unsurprising, taking into account the proximal skeletal taxonomy [See General morphology]. Structures resembling the pharynx, larynx, bronchials, bronchioles and alveoli are all present. It should be noted that the species' vocalizations are well documented by UNSC Military [see ONI XBJ LibFile 12663882-A-s]. Presence of proximal branchial arches were also discovered. Lack of sufficient opercular openings and the insufficient number of branchial arches indicate gill structures are vestigial in nature.
Vivisection performed, November 21, 2525 (Military Calendar)
UNSC Triumph
By:
Dr. Benjamin Warren Resler, Ph.D. (civilian Identification Number: [Classified])
Dr. Nathan Li Chen, M.D. (civilian Identification Number: [Classified])
Lieutenant Jonathan Thomas Bradford, M.D. (UNSC Service Number: [Classified])
/end file/
|
