Volume VII: Nature — Chapter 1: Biodiversity of Théxar
"Life finds a way. Not just to survive — to thrive. Théxar is a planet where life has flourished like nowhere in the known galaxy." — Keeper of Biodiversity, +3,800 y.
Related sections: → see [Ch.17, "Flora"], → see [Ch.18, "Fauna"], → see [Ch.21, "Ecosystems"]
1.1 Scale of Biodiversity
Théxar is a planet of exceptional biological diversity. Over 4.2 billion cycles of evolution under an orange sun, active tectonics, and abundant sulfur have shaped a biosphere without parallel in the known part of the galaxy.
1.1.1 Described Species
| Kingdom | Species Described | Estimated Total | Study Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plants (Chromophyta et al.) | 380,000 | ~520,000 | 73% |
| Animals (incl. Thermochromadae) | 1,800,000 | ~2,500,000 | 72% |
| Fungi (Mycophyta) | 120,000 | ~200,000 | 60% |
| Microorganisms | 850,000 | ~2,000,000 | 42% |
| Total | 3,150,000 | ~5,220,000 | ~60% |
1.1.2 Endemism by Region
| Region | % Endemic Species | Number of Endemics |
|---|---|---|
| Vexar (overall) | 38% | ~690,000 |
| Raal Plateau (highlands) | 52% | ~120,000 |
| Ocean Gharra (depths) | 45% | ~280,000 |
| Cave systems | 95% | ~45,000 |
| Subglacial lakes | 100% | ~2,000 |
| Kharak (savannas) | 18% | ~320,000 |
| Shan Desert | 42% | ~85,000 |
1.2 Unique Features of the Biosphere
1.2.1 Six-Letter Genetic Code
The fundamental difference of Théxar's biosphere is 6 nucleotides (G, C, A, T, P, X) instead of 4.
Consequences:
- 216 codons (instead of 64)
- 24 proteinogenic amino acids (instead of 20)
- Repair and replication checks protect the genome
- Protein diversity depends on sequence and folding
1.2.2 Sulfur Cycle
H₂S fuels chemosynthesis and participates in signalling. Its effects depend on concentration and the organism’s adaptations: excess can damage even resistant tissues.
1.2.3 D-Chirality
Chiral amino acids belong to the D series and sugars to the L series; glycine is achiral. This limits compatibility with Earth enzymes and nutrients without excluding chemical interaction or toxicity.
1.3 Biosphere Productivity
| Parameter | Value | Relative Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Primary production | 120 Gt C/cycle | High |
| Producer biomass | 1,200 Gt C | High |
| Consumer biomass | 400 Gt C | Moderate |
| Biomass turnover rate | 13.3 cycles | High |
| Photosynthesis efficiency | 4.2% | High |
End of Chapter 1, Volume VII.