| Timeline type | Alternate |
| Sentient beings | Underwater civilizations |
| Unique features | Vast underwater reefs • Kelp forests • Electric and magnetic life forms |
| Dominant species | Intelligent crustaceans |
| Ecosystem adaptations | Low oxygen • Symbiotic relationships • Bioluminescence |
This peculiar timeline features a unique and fantastical variety of aquatic life. In a world with less oxygen than in the familiar one, evolution has led to the creation of novel and astonishing forms of marine life.
The scarcity of oxygen in this timeline has led to fascinating evolutionary adaptations in aquatic creatures. Most marine species have, for instance, adapted to living without lungs or gills, the breathing organs so common in many of our era's aquatic organisms. This change has resulted in the creation of complex symbiotic relationships and entirely new modes of exchanging gases, nutrients, and waste materials between species.
Symbiosis is a driving force behind survival in this unusual aquatic environment. Organisms have become intricately intertwined with one another, creating networks of exchanging life-sustaining materials and energy. Various creatures feed off their partner's waste or excess compounds, while others establish microhabitats within other organisms to foster mutual benefits. The relationships range from symbiotic to parasitic for a diverse ecosystem and complex interactions.
These aquatic realms teem with exotic bioluminescent, iridescent organisms that radiate in the darkness. Sparkling swarms of jellyfish cast gentle light on vast underwater reefs, alongside a flutter of multi-colored coral-like creatures. Extensive kelp forests drape themselves along the ocean floor, creating a kaleidoscopic play of hues and shapes.
Enormous, intelligent crustaceans are the apex predators in this aquatic universe. Having evolved in the absence of fish as the top marine predators, they have developed advanced problem-solving abilities alongside powerful weapons – such as sharp, chitinous claws and razor-sharp legs. Towering over the ocean depths, these colossal crustaceans assert their dominance with a fearsome appearance.
Many marine organisms in this timeline have the unique ability to create or manipulate electric and magnetic fields. Some species use this talent for navigation, communication, and defense. Some creatures have even harnessed this power to evolve stunning forms of bioluminescence, producing mesmerizing light displays to attract prey or confuse predators.
In this alternate timeline, entire civilizations of sentient aquatic life dwell beneath the oceans. Ranging from the philosophers of the nautilus hive-minds to the sophisticated engineering capabilities of the mollusk metropolis, these submerged inhabitants reveal the depth and wonders of evolution in a low-oxygen world. They offer a fascinating opportunity to explore intellect's emergence in such an environment and the possibility of establishing communication and relationships between these civilizations and those of land-dwelling beings.
These strange yet beautiful realms are a testament to the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of life, even under the most extraordinary circumstances.
