GREATDEER
(Eutheria: Alces machlis gigas)
The largest of all the deer. It is distinguished from other members of the Cervidae by the spread of the impressive antlers of the males. Hunted by the Tanu, not only for its meat, but for its hide which is preferred for use in covering their tents.
GULAWATSAN
(Ranidae: Dimorphognathus mutatus)
The application of gene-splitting for controlled mutation can be appreciated when the gulawatsan is examined closely. This was formerly a toothed frog, but the present form appears to have little resemblance to its forebears. Their powerful croaking, heard in tropical jungles during the mating season, has been enhanced and increased until the sound emitted is deafening in close proximity.
HÈSOTSAN
(Squamiata: Paravaranus comensualis mutatus)
This species of monitor lizard has been so modified that it now bears little resemblance to the original. Steam generating glands from Brachinus beetles violently project a dart which is poisoned when it passes over the sex organs of a commensal Tetradontid fish. This poison, the most deadly known, produces paralysis and death when as little as 500 molecules are present.
ISEKUL*
(Columbae: Columba palumbus)
This gentle bird presents an ideal example of Yilanè science at its most practical. Like many other species, this one uses magnetized iron particles in its forebrain to detect the Earth’s magnetic field as an aid in navigation. Through selective breeding the isekul* will now point its head in any selected direction for long periods of time, until distracted by thirst or hunger.
LONGTOOTH
(Metatheria: Machaerodus neogeus)
Long-tusked member of the marsupial tiger family. A large and ferocious carnivore that uses its greatly extended upper canine teeth to bring down its prey. Some Kargu hunters have a commensal relationship with these beasts to aid them in hunting.
MASINDUU
(Anuva: Rana catesbiana mutatus mutatus)
The sanduu is an accepted laboratory creature for magnifying images up to 200 times. However it lacks versatility in that only one observer at a time can utilize it. The masinduu is a variation that permits the image to be projected onto any white surface to be viewed by two or more researchers.
MASTODON
(Eutheria: Mastodon americanus)
A large mammal noted for its long upper tusks. It has a prehensile trunk reaching to the ground. Its domestication by the Tanu permits them to cover great distances when hunting and foraging, using the mastodons to pull large travois.
NAEBAK
(Psittacosauria: Psittacosaurus)
One of the family of small “parrot lizards,” so called because of their narrow, hornless head and sharp parrot-like beak used for biting through tough leaves and woody stems. They browse on all fours, but can run as well using only their strong back legs.
NENITESK
(Ornithischia: Triceratops elatus)
Herbivorous quadruped characterized by the possession of three horns set in a bony protective shield, unchanged since the Cretaceous period. They reproduce by laying eggs. Their brain capacity is small and their intelligence even smaller. Since they are slow growing they are of little use for meat supply, but are extremely decorative.
NESKHAK
(Gadus macrocephalus)
A mutated warm-water fish, adapted for varying conditions and altered so that the ambient water temperature can be measured by noting the color changes on the creature’s sides.
NINKULILEB
(Archaeopteryx compsoghathus)
An intermediate form of development somewhere between birds and dinosaurs. Simple feathers, fingers at the wing tips, and a slim, toothed jaw make this creature distinctly different from both ancestors and possible descendants.
OKHALAKX
(Plateosauridia: Plateosaurus edibilus)
One of the largest of the “flat lizards,” so called because of their solid bodies and strong skulls. Although these creatures normally walk on all fours they rear up on their hind legs to graze the tops of trees. Its flesh is considered particularly tasty and is much sought after.
ONETSENSAST
(Ornithischia: Stegosaurus variatus)
The largest of the plated dinosaurs. These immense herbivorous creatures are protected from attack by two rows of plates down the neck and back, as well as heavy spikes on the tail. They first developed in the late Jurassic period and only careful preservation by the Yilanè has prevented the destruction of this living fossil.
RUUTSA
(Ankylosauria: Euoplocephalus)
This giant creature is perhaps the most dramatic of the “living fossils” so carefully preserved by the Yilanè. Covered with great plates of armor, studded with spines, and protecting itself by the great ball at the end of its tail, it is hard to believe that it is a vegetarian and completely harmless, except in self-defense. This species has not changed in over one hundred million years.
SANDUU
(Anuva: Rana catesbiana mutatus)
Extensive gene manipulation has altered this animal in almost every way; only its outer skin reveals its origins. Magnification of up to 200 power is available by proper use of sunlight directed through the different organic lenses of its head.
SPIKE-BACK
(Nodosaurid anklyosaurus: Hylaeosaurus)
With small teeth and weak jaws, these harmless creatures graze on low-growing plants. Their only protection from predators is their flexible armor of bony slabs, plates and spikes, set in tough skin and sheathed with horn.
TARAKAST
(Ornithischia: Segnosaurus shiungisaurus mutatus)
A sharp-beaked carnivorous dinosaur, the largest examples being over thirteen feet in length. They are difficult to train and require great strength to manage, but when properly broken make a desirable Yilanè mount.
UGUNKSHAA
(Squamata: Phrynosoma fiernsyna mutatus)
Since the Yilanè language is dependent upon skin color and body movements, as well as sound, keeping written records is impossible; therefore writing has never developed. Historically knowledge was passed on verbally, and the recording of this information only became possible when an organic liquid crystal display was developed for visual accompaniment of the auditory memory records.
UNUTAKH
(Cephalopoda: Deroceras agreste mutatus)
One of the highly modified animals used in Yilanè technology. This cephalopod digests protein matter, especially hair and modified epidermal plates with ease.
URUKETO
(Ichthyopterygia: Ichthyosaurus monstrosus mutatus)
This is the largest of the “fish-lizards,” a family of immense aquatic dinosaurs. Millennia of gene surgery and breeding have developed a strain of ichthyosaurs very different from the parent stock. There is a large chamber situated above the spine and centered on the dorsal fin that is used for both crew and cargo.
URUKTOP
(Chelonia: Psittacosaurus montanoceratops mutatus)
One of the most extensively modified of the Yilanè animals. Used for land transportation, it can carry heavy loads for great distances since after gene-doubling it has eight legs.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
* * *
In writing this novel I have sought the advice of experts in various fields. The biology of the Yilanè is the work of Dr. Jack Cohen. The Yilanè, Sasku, Paramutan and Tanu languages are the work of Prof. T.A. Shippey. The philosophy of the Daughters of Life was developed with the active collaboration of Dr. Robert E. Myers. This would have been a far different and lesser book without their help and advice. My gratitude to them is infinite.
About the Author
HARRY HARRISON is one of the most successful and respected authors of speculative fiction writing today. In a career that spans over three decades, Harry Harrison has written such novels as Deathworld, To The Stars, Skyfall, Make Room! Make Room! and bestsellers such as West of Eden and the Stainless Steel Rat serie
s. Harrison worked as a commercial artist, art director and editor before turning to writing full time. A past president of the World Science Fiction Association, he is also a noted anthologist, editing the acclaimed Nova series and co-editing the highly praised Decade and Year’s Best SF volumes with British author Brian Aldiss. Harry Harrison was born in Stamford, Connecticut, has made his home in Mexico and in several European countries over the years, and now lives in Ireland. He is presently at work on a new novel.
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Return to Eden
Copyright © 1988 by Harry Harrison
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*For those readers not acquainted with large mathematical terms, see Section labeled “Science” for a complete description.
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