evolution & genetics
Halinhi traits explained through adaptions to their habitat, and what is left to question.
Adaptations
Halinhi historically live in arid habitats and their physical appears reflects how they have adapted to live these environments.
- Hali have large fat and water stores on their legs for when water and food are scarce.
- Their bunny-like nose can close tightly so that sand and other debris can't get in.
- They have large, ridged ears that help them to manage their body heat and to hear their small, scarce prey more easily.
- The black tear-duct markings are suspected to keep the eyes clean from debris and reflect sunlight.
- Their body is mostly covered in short hair except their head and neck (usually) to manage temperature.
Mutations
Not all of their traits can be explained by their habitat though, like their tails and other oddities.
- Their multiple tails may have been an odd mutation that just arose randomly and bred throughout the population -- but Halinhi lore says that the Tail Giver is the reason. Their tails can help or hinder them, but they are usually moderately prehensile. Depending on the size and shape, the tails have different attributes.
- Often their ears correspond to the design of their tail, it is unsure why but similar protein expression from their genes may be the cause.
- Hali have a wide array of different traits that may affect their bodies.