Betacalixes

The betacalixes evolved from the cobblesaucer and have spread out in all oceans and beaches. The betacalixes have become more complex with three new cell types, for a total of five. Betacalixes retain their photosynthetic layer. These photosynthetic cells also retain their ancestor's carotenoids and peridinin to maximize photosynthetic capabilities while reducing damage from ultraviolet rays. The black outer layer, the epidermis, has differentiated into two cell types: cells with a proboscis, and cells with flagella. Additionally, betacalixes also have a layer used for water and nutrient storage, which further improves its ancestral durability should it ever get dry on the beaches. This layer is surrounded by the photosynthetic layer, which is thinner on the side covered by the black epidermis. The photosynthetic layer is surrounded by the fifth and final cell type: a thin layer of clear cells called the dermis. The dermis surrounds the photosynthetic cells and storage cells, but is itself partially covered by the epidermis. Like the epidermis, the cells of the dermis have thickened cell walls to protect the organism.

There are several different kinds of species of betacalixes including some that live on the Twilight Floor, some that float between the Twilight and Sunlight columns, and those that live in coastal areas and beaches. The Twilight Floor betacalixes have numerous flagella on the outside that help them bring detritus closer to their proboscises and have little of the photosynthetic layer exposed; due to this, they rely almost solely on debris for food. The Twilight-Sunlight betacalixes highly resemble their ancestor and even gain their energy in an identical manner as it. The Coastal-Beach betacalixes have few flagella and have a large photosynthetic layer, which means that it heavily depends on photosynthesis and looks the least like its ancestor. While all betacalixes have a storage cell layer, they’re all at varying levels of thickness with Twilight Floor betacalixes having the thinnest storage cell layer, Twilight-Sunlight betacalixes having a relatively average storage cell layer, and Coastal-Beach betacalixes having the thickest storage cell layer, which is especially handy as they are the betacalixes that deal with dry climates the most.

The most unique adaptation developed in the betacalixes is that they now reproduce by releasing tiny spores from the dermis on the photosynthetic side. These spores are highly durable against the elements, even moreso than their adult stage by being able to remain dormant for years until they are soaked in an adequate amount of water.