Explanation of Characteristics
In Project Chimera there are eight different versions so there will
be eight different types of Chimera animals formed in the
classroom. Most genetic expressions are self-explanatory. Some
of these characteristics need some further explanation. Regardless
of the Trait Form that you have, use the guide below to help you
interpret how the animals in Project Chimera express their genetic
characteristics. It is up to you how you want to show each of the
genetic traits in your Chimera model.
FUR:
Fur pigmentation is controlled by four genes. One of the genes is a
supressor/enhancer gene depending on your Form Letter. If it
suppresses, then the color is totally lacking and the animal
exhibits albinism. This will also influence the eye color.
If the gene enhances then the color becomes darker than the
pigmentation gene alone produces.
The length of the fur is up to you but short fur should be quite
short while long fur should be quite long so one can plainly see
the difference.
Light fur pigmentation will produce lighter colors such as camel,
tan, beige, light gray, or even yellows or oranges. The pigment is
up to you.
Darker fur pigmentation will produce the darker fur colors such as
dark gray, brown, dark brown, charcoal, or even the reddish
brown. Again, the color is up to you.
The gene for patterning of the fur is such that Agouti produces fur
with a different colored tip. That is the fur shaft is one color while
the tip is another. The tip is a contrasting color to the shaft. The
gene for No Patterning does just that. There is no patterning to the
fur and it is just one color.
EYES:
Eyes more towards the center usually means that the animal will
have more binocular vision and is able to see in three dimensions
enabling it to jump, climb, and leap more efficiently. Eyes more
towards side means that the animal will have better side vision
which will enable it a wider range of vision and be able to see
predators better.
EARS:
Ear length should also be quite evident. Short ears are usually for
an animal that lives in colder climates while long ears enable an
animal to dissipate heat easier allowing it to cool off quicker.
Tufted hair at the ends of the ears allow the animal to pick up
sounds easier giving it a better sense of hearing. Without the tufts
the ears just focus the sound.
Longer ears should also hear better than shorter ears.
TORI:
Tori or apical pads are found on the bottoms of most animals feet.
They are the soft pads on which animals walk. Hoof stock do not
have tori.
Thick padded tori give the animal more cushioning while walking.
It also allows the animal to be more quiet in its approach. Thin tori
do just the opposite.
NOSE:
A longer snout give the animal a better sense of smell. However, it
can affect vision.
A moist rhinarium means that the nose is always wet. This allows
the animal an even better sense of smell.
METABOLIC RATE:
Animals with a higher metabolic rate would be thinner and would
probably require more food since they burn it off faster. Those
animals with a lower metabolic rate would be heavier. A top
carnivore with a low metabolic rate would probably not be able to
survive as well as one who had a high metabolic rate.
GENDER:
It is up to you on how you want to show the gender of the animal.
External genitalia are not always visible on all animals. Some
animals show sexual dimorphism but this can be seen only if you
have comparisons so one can see the size difference. Some
animals show sexual dichromatism. This is easier to spot. How
you show the gender differences is up to you.
HORNS/ANTLERS:
If this trait is present, it is up to you which type of head gear you
want your animal to possess. Of course you can also use head gear
to designate sex as males usually have longer horns or antlers than
females. Some females in certain species do not possess head
gear. In this project if the gene is present make sure that you do
show some type of head ornament.
PROTRUDING JAWS:
The maxilla is the upper jaw bone while the mandible is the lower.
Protrusion is up to you, it can be slight, moderate, or heavy. Of
course, the amount of protrusion will affect the shape of the face
and even the eating habits of the animal.
LENGTH OF LEGS:
Make sure that you can see that the animal has long or short legs.
This, of course, will effect the locomotion abilities of the animal.
COLLABORATION, EPISTASIS, AND CODOMINANCE:
Tails and canines are produced by two genes.
TAILS:
One gene inhibits tail growth. It is present then the tail will not
grow. If the gene is absent then the other gene can express what
type of tail the animal will possess. Make sure that long tails can
be told apart from short tails. Tails help with locomotion and
balance.
CANINES:
The same rules apply to the canines. Longer canines means the
animal would probably make a better carnivore.