Talk:Monster Hunter Evolution - My Theories/@comment-4212769-20120830224645/@comment-5020152-20120831141619

I agree, that's why I separated the two "classes" of Herbivores.

I know that the original Pelagi were indeed ape-like creatures, but as we all well know, there is more to the Pelagus group than just apes. Most, if not all, Pelagi are very aggressive and, usually, larger than the average mammal. Along with their unique traits (Blangonga's ice breath or Rajang's electric powers, for example), that's why I grouped them separately from the "ordinary" mammals. They're like some kind of super-advanced mammal.

Since we both seem to agree that Lunastra/Teostra are the possible ancestors of the Elder Dragons, then what other group of animal could they have evolved from? Not Pelagi, it would take many more millions of years to develop wings, scales, and flame sacs than if they had evolved from Fanged Wyverns as I said, which already have a somewhat reptilian appearance. Not Flying Wyverns, they'd have to completely alter their genetic structure in order to evolved a mammal-like appearance, since they're reptiles through and through. Certainly not Bird Wyverns, since no Elder Dragon's habits or appearance suggest such a lineage. And I can't think of any real-life creature that would have evolved into them. No, Fanged Wyverns seem the most likely choice.

Urcusis and Rangurotora's bear-like appearance/behaviour is most likely another example of convergent evolution. After all, if they did evolve from bears, those bears would have to develop a completely new lifestyle (not to mention a completely new body design). All a rabbit or armadillo would have to do is grow bigger, as well as develop a few tweaks here and there (like Urcusis's plastron or Rangu's spit). Since when did evolution take the hard way and choose a species totally unrelated (relatively) to the creature that would have a much simpler time evolving into those current forms?