Sketches of my organism!, 8/8/12-9/8/12

Now, it was time to start on planning out my organism! Firstly, I had to research on the types of FUNGI living in the Tundra Biome and see how I could create my organism.

The fungi living in the the Tundra mostly consist of lichen and Fly Agaric mushrooms (Amanita muscaria). 

Here are a few pictures:

Reindeer lichen--google images

Lichen--google images

Fly Agaric Mushroom (Amanita muscaria)--google images

With this inspiration, I began to start on my sketches:

Here is my 1st sketch:

1st Sketch

Note that macro-lichen as it is stated here, refers to the reindeer lichen, which is also known as a type of macro lichen.

After reading more on the readings, I felt perhaps, that symbiosis was a key factor for survival in the Tundra. Therefore, I improvised on my sketch and added 2 tubes: 1 for transporting water and nutrients to an adjacent plant and to receive carbohydrates from the same plant. I also added a widespread root structure/system to absorb MAXIMUM moisture. There was also an additional wide tube to consume dead matter. This way, by increasing surface area, and by simply sucking the matter, decomposition rate is increased.

The 2nd sketch:

2nd Sketch

After this, I felt that I could do away with the macro-lichen covering and instead use the mushroom cap itself as a camouflage. With a few new additions and modifications, this became my final design that I felt, had finally been the best to be able to survive the harsh conditions.

Note that although I have stated many of the adaptations, all of them will be further elaborated in my next post. 

The 3rd and FINAL design:

The cross-section with detailed versions of the features.

Exterior look of the organism

Both above 2 pictures: Showing the adaptations.