Ventricapillus frigisomnus

Ventricapillus frigisomnus
Creator	Zenith
Information
Status	Extant
Zones	B, Q
Roles	Decomposer
Classification
Genus	Ventricapillus
Species	Ventricapillus frigisomnus
Evolution
Date	May 24th, 2020
Ancestor	Ventricapillus dissolvus
Descendants	Ventriacapillus pinthanatophilium Ventricapillus cellulose

5μm
V. frigisomnus is a unicellular generalist decomposer adapted to the seasonal conditions of Zone B.

Adaptations: V. frigisomnus has made several changes that allow it to survive the subzero winter temperatures of Zone B. The first being that, once late fall and winter rolls around, the cell fills itself up with proteins, derived from metabolic enzymes, that prevent the interior of the cell from freezing. These proteins do so by binding onto spaces on tiny ice crystals, preventing water molecules from doing so, which prevents the ice crystals from growing. During this colder part of the year, V. frigisomnus enters a state of dormancy by slowing down its metabolism drastically. Once spring comes around and Zone B warms up, the cell speeds its metabolism back up to normal, then breaks down their freeze-preventing proteins and recycles the nutrients, before repairing any damage done to its genetic information.

Feeding: V. frigisomnus feeds on all types of detritus during its active seasons of mid to late spring, summer, and early to mid fall. It does so by releasing acid from its many hairs and reabsorbing the broken down material.

Reproduction: V. frigisomnus reproduces by duplicating its genetic information and splitting in half. It doesn't reproduce in its offseason, as it is dormant. During its active season, however, V. frigisomnus will reproduce quickly at rates of once every 5 minutes, as long as there detritus to feed on. When there is no food present, they will not reproduce.