'Tentacled Microbes' are the Microbes to have descended from the Tentacel Cilius. They are distinguished from their flagellate counterparts by the extrusion of modified cytoplasm in the form of 'tentacle' appendages. Evolving before the flagellates, they were the primary force of microbial life in the first eras of Osmaris. They evolved into various forms, the body plans of which are present in the thumbnail. Note the presence of Hematophagus. 1. Ramusemorph; Branchforms. The quickest of the bodyplans to emerge, Ramusemorphs are typically large, mostly sessile species that branch cytoplasm in all directions to engorge on nutrients. Primarily found in Sediment, they are the backbone of most microbial ecosystems. They were typically alone when first developing, but eventually created webs with other Ramusemorphs that became colonial entities that transmit nutrients and signals to each other, covering the mat. They reproduce via budding. 2. the Tentaciliate solution to the Exobacillus were the Runconsilia, 'Weed Tips'. They have modified their cytoplasm into extrusomes that allow the cell to do locomotion. The extrusions are able to retract and press outward like a 'muscle', letting the cell jut at surprising pace. Predator or Prey, the bodyplan competes where the Bacillus is present for ecosystemic niches, managing to even replace them in a few environments. 3. Falxipileus, 'Scythe Caps'. While rarer than the other two species, they have taken both of their traits and became an interesting organism in it's own right. It has condensed it's body into an elongated cap that typically drifts. However, it is able to extend out a large tentacle able to grasp, locomote, and feed upon unsuspecting microbials & nutrients. It's is a strong contender in its ecosystems as either predators or scavengers.
