Cava: Difference between revisions
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|'''Class'''||{{wp|Paraves}}
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|'''Order'''||
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|'''Family'''||Aborealantus
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== Evolution ==
[[File:Microraptor.jpg|left|thumb|223x223px|Illustration of ''Microraptor gui'', a possible Cavan ancestor]]
The cava are the descendants of a species of small dromaeosaur of the genus ''Microraptor'' that survived the C-P mass extinction 66 million years ago that were isolated on the then-conjoined [[Aurora]] and
An omnivorous species of
==History==
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==Anatomy==
Cava have an upright, humanoid appearance, but their skeletal structure differs significantly from most other sapient species. Like many therapods, parts of cavan skeletons are pneumatised and hollow, strengthened with criss-crossing struts. This provides great strength, comparable to mammalian bones, whilst being much lighter. Cava possess a vestigial keel bone on their sternum, which often appears as a noticeable bulge on the chest. Cavan Legs possess a digitigrade arrangement and their digits are tetradactyl, with four for each limb. Cavan feet have an anisodactyl arrangement and the hands consist of one opposable thumb and three main digits. Their skulls and beak are remarkably similar to that of corvids, indicative of their ancestors' generalist lifestyle and omnivorous diet. Intracranial volume is typically somewhat smaller than other sapient species, however the neuron and synapse density is greater and seems to result in equivalent general intelligence.
The entire body of a Cava save for its forelimbs is covered in thick plumage. The feathers come in a range of colours, black being the most common but white, grey and blue plumage in various patterns also being very frequent phenotypes, and there are numerous random mutations such as leucism. The upper to mid limbs feature several vestigial wing feathers akin to their dromaeosaur ancestors. The back of the head features a crest with two or more plumes of brightly coloured iridescent feathers that strongly reflect UV light. This may have served a role in sexual selection as the strength of the reflectivity is often an indicator of an individual's physical health. Crest feathers can often grow very long, allowing them to be styled. On average Cavan eyesight is better than other sapients, especially in terms of ability to follow movement and UV sensitivity, however they have noticeably poorer contrast detection. Eye colour varies but light blue and silver are the most common. Cava possess a syrinx organ instead of vocal cords which allows for a decent vocal range and even mimicry. Despite this, the lack of lips and teeth does limit the possible sounds they can make with ease which has had major impact on language and cultural development.
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