Challenge: Design a Martian

Mrs. Wyllie/Mr. Penfield's Science class - North Country Union Junior High School, Derby, Vermont
John, Doug, Taylor, Jason & Jennifer

The Vorx
The Vorx, the ultimate creature. Capable of surviving the endless challenges of Mars, the creature roams the planet freely in vast herds. Standing five feet high, with deadly defenses, all other inhabitants of Mars flee before it.

Survival
To survive the unforgiving conditions of Mars, the Vorx has evolved to live on the surface. To protect itself from the continental scale dust storms and other hazards that roam the surface unchallenged, the Vorx is capable of curling up into a ball. Its super strong hide protects the more vulnerable under side and the head from the flying dust and the unbearable cold. The planting also reflects the dangerous UV rays, and acts like a windbreaker for the deadly winds that ravage the surface. Infrared vision allows the Vorx to see through the giant storms clearly, giving it a strong advantage. Its strong muscular body and intelligent mind allow this creature to survive.

How the Vorx Gains Energy
The Vorx gains the vital energy for live by simply standing in the sun light. Its strong hide acts as not only a form of defense but as a solar panel. The solar energy is collected, but at the same time reflects the unwanted energy, such as UV rays. The solar energy is transferred directly to the Vorx's organs, sustaining the creature's internal systems, almost like human blood. A fourth of the incoming energy is stored away in a special organ called the Ungle. This way, once night comes, the Vorx is still able to function, drawing energy from the Ungle.

The second way the Vorx gains energy is by absorbing a type of mineral found just below the planet's surface. The creature uses its burrowing claws to retrieve these minerals and inserts the rocks into its mouth. Extremely acidic saliva enters the mouth from a gland in the back of the throat. The acid breaks down the mineral to a liquid state so it can be easily transported to the awaiting stomachs. Although, a certain element found in this mineral is not needed and is stored in a special organ called the Stulon (see reproductive section). The Vorx dose not breathe, and only eats minerals. It must eat around seven times a day.

Reproduction
The Vorx reproduces in a truly unique way. As the unwanted elements build up in the Stulon, a new Vorx is slowly formed. After seven weeks, the infant takes the physical form of a Vorx, only much, much smaller. Instinctively, after seven weeks of pregnancy, a third of all the energy coming into the Vorx is transferred to its offspring. This much go on for four months until a new Vorx is born. The parent cares for its young for three months until the young Vorx would be at adulthood. The offspring would then join the roaming herd. All of a Vorx's family roams in a herd across the desolate surface. Some herds can reach up to 300 in number. The species is made up of only one gender, a combination of both a female and a male. The Vorx is capable of living for 70 Earth years. Once a Vorx dies, its body becomes the needed mineral the species survives on. This way the planet's mineral supply is constantly regenerating itself.

Habitat
The Vorx herds wander the planet in a constant search for more minerals. Once an area is exhausted of mineral supply, the group moves on, stopping and resting in large craters. The craters server not only as a wind barrier but as a natural form of defense against rival Vorx herds. The creature can be found throughout the planet, even on the frigid poles.

Defense
Over the centuries the Vorx has evolved for battle. Rival herds engage in battle frequently, killing hundreds of Vorx. To survive brutal battles, the Vorx defenses are superior to all known life on Earth. Its large burrowing claws are excellent slashing tools, much like the human sword. The Vorx's razor sharp teeth can rip through most materials, injecting the same acidic saliva used to brake down minerals, in very bite. With their superior intellect, strategy is involved in every battle, similar to lions, but only smarter. Sharp fins prevent an attack on the back and the tail can be used as a whip, slashing through flesh.

All in all, the Vorx is a generally peaceful creature. They're parenting skills are well known, and helps keep the species alive. This creature is ultimate, able to survive the endless and often treacherous conditions of Mars.

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