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Primate

2022-06-24T22:57:38Z

2601:18D:4700:2D30:E0B7:4DDC:F97F:336B: /* Lemurs */

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[[Image:Extinctioners Uniform Eve.jpg|right|thumb|[[Eve Mahn]], a fictional vervet monkey character in [[Extinctioners]]]]
A '''primate''' is any member of the biological order Primate, the group that contains all the species commonly related to the lemurs, monkeys, and [[ape]]s, with the latter category including [[human]]s.

==Appearance==
Primates are generally characterized as having five fingers, a generalized dental pattern, and a primitive (unspecialized) body plan. Another distinguishing feature of primates is fingernails. Opposing thumbs are also a characteristic primate feature.

==Monkeys==
'''Monkeys''' are known for their long prehensile [[tail]]s and extreme agility. In captivity, they have a habit of imitating the movements of people watching them, which gave rise to the term "ape", meaning to mimic. Monkeys are usually characterized as mischievous and rude. The monkey is a sign of the Chinese zodiac.

==Apes==
'''[[Ape]]s''': consists primarily of [[human]]s, [[w:Chimpanzee|chimpanzees]], [[w:Gorilla|gorillas]] and [[w:Orangutan|orangutans]]. A few other primates have the word "ape" in their common names, but they are not regarded as true apes by most authorities.

Except for hominids, all true apes are agile climbers of trees. They are best described as omnivorous, their diet consisting of fruit, grass seeds, and in most cases some quantities of meat and invertebrates—either hunted or scavenged—along with anything else available and easily digested. They are native to Africa and Asia, although humans have spread to all parts of the world.

==Primates and furry==

====Monkeys====
*In the film adaptations of ''[[The Jungle Book]]'', King Louie's minions were monkeys.
*Monkeyshine Productions/Epoch Ink's ''[[Captain Simian and the Space Monkeys]]'' was a noteworthy attempt to explore monkeys as characters.
*Crossgen Comics' ''Way of the Rat'' also features a wise yet flippant talking monkey named Po Po.
*The Forbidden Kingdom features "The Monkey King" (Jet Li) a god-like character with monkey features and playful mannerism that mimic a monkey.
*[[Wikipedia:Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!|Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!]] is an animated television series following the story of five robotic monkeys and a human boy named Chiro as they struggle against the evil forces of the Skeleton King, their nemesis.
*Son Goku/Wukong a.k.a. The Monkey King from Chinese folk tales is often portrayed as half-way between monkey and human in most modern adaptations and homages of the story.
**Two modern Gokus include the one from Koei's Saiyuki strategy game on PS1 and as a character in Warriors Orochi 2.
**Son Son from the game of the same name is another example of this character. His granddaughter, also named Son Son, appears in Marvel vs Capcom 2.
**The budget shooter The Monkey King on Wii features two in the form of Wukong (Michael in Japan) and Mei Mei, a female monkey with hair buns in a chinese dress.

====Apes====
*The most famous human who thinks he's a non-human ape is Tarzan, Lord of the Apes. Tarzan was an infant, reared by a family of gorillas and believes he too is a gorilla until he meets others like him. This story has been parodied as well in George of the Jungle.
*A fictional race of [[anthropomorphic]] highly intelligent gorillas exist in the DC Comics universe in a secret city of gorillas, including a Flash villain named Gorilla Grodd.
*The giant gorilla is a recurring theme in film, especially in the various incarnations of ''[[King Kong]]'' and ''[[Mighty Joe Young]]''.
In the British sitcom ''[[The Mighty Boosh]]'', one of the regular characters is [[Bollo]], the world's oldest gorilla and assistant to Naboo the shaman.
*Fester Bestertester, the protagonist of Don Martin's ''Mad Magazine'' strip "National Gorilla-Suit Day" is beset by gorillas (or persons dressed as gorillas). "National Gorilla-Suit Day" is celebrated every year on January 31st. Writer [[Mark Evanier]] promotes this holiday on his web site [http://www.newsfromme.com], [http://www.povonline.com/National%20Gorilla%20Suit%20Day.htm].
*Gorillas are often used as [[mascot]]s for schools and sports team.
**Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, is the only public college in the United States to have a gorilla as mascot.
**The Phillips Academy boarding school in Andover, Massachusetts has a gorilla as an informal mascot.
**The Phoenix Suns mascot is called The Gorilla.
*The Kong family from Donkey Kong Country consists primarily of apes (Diddy Kong is the sole exception). Candy Kong and the recent redesign of Tiny Kong being the most anthropomorphic of the bunch.

====Lemurs====
* [[King Julien]], [[Maurice]] and Mort from Madagascar are a ring-tailed lemur, aye-aye and mouse lemur.
* In the film Dinosaur, Aladar was raised by a family of lemurs.

==See also==
*[[Human]]
* [[:Category:Primate characters|Primate characters]]
*[[Wikipedia:Primate|Primates]] on [[Wikipedia]]

[[Category:Primate species]]
[[ru:Приматы]]
[[it:Primates]]

Dragon

2022-06-24T20:40:58Z

2601:18D:4700:2D30:E0B7:4DDC:F97F:336B: /* Fictional dragon characters */

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[[File:Extinctioners cast Dre by Ebonyleopard.jpg|right|thumb|[[Dre]], a fictional '''dragon''' character in [[Extinctioners]]]]
A '''dragon''' is a [[w:Legendary creature|legendary creature]]. Although not all dragons have scales or are even entirely [[reptile|reptilian]], they are generally classified as [[scalie]] or [[herp]] within the [[furry fandom]]. With such diversity and adaptability to [[anthropomorphic]] characterization, the dragon has become one of the [[List of most popular phenotypes| most popular phenotypes]] of furries.

== Non-anthro dragons ==

Full-form, non-anthro dragons come in many shapes and sizes representing their origins from around the world.

* Western Dragons are usually large, leathery-winged, quasi-reptilian or saurian beings. In modern fiction, they are sometimes warm-blooded and reflect influences from contemporary knowledge of [[dinosaur]]s. Most have scales and some lay eggs. Variations include but are not limited to:
** Feathered [[wing]]s
** Fur coat or manes
** Un-scaled hides
* Eastern Dragons are generally long, sinuous, scaly dragons with and/or without wings. Often, they have horns or antlers and are the type depicted in Chinese or Japanese traditional art. Despite being portrayed with fur a lot in modern times, eastern dragons is originally scaly and were believed to have the scales of a carp.
* Rare or Atypical Dragons such as Amphipteres or Wyverns - the moniker "Dragon" is applied to a staggeringly large number of creatures, some of which have very little to do with each other.
* Non-traditional or less common permutations, such as Fairy Dragons or even artificial and symbolic creatures - postmodern [[fantasy]] and [[science-fiction]] has portrayed the dragon as everything from a psychological [[Wikipedia:Meme|meme]] to [[Wikipedia:Steampunk|steampunk]] robots.

Character-oriented genres like Furry tend to portray non-anthro dragons with additional capabilities and tweaks to make them more accessible as a sentient character who might display human-like behavior. The capacity for human speech is common. It is also not uncommon to see dragons with dexterous, tool-using forefeet. One can find crossovers with dragon-like qualities in species concepts like the [[monoceros]].

== Anthro-Dragons / Dragonoides / Draconides ==
[[File:AW6-Panko.jpg|right|thumb|176px|A Dz'isu by [[Brian Harp]]]]
Anthropomorphic dragons, also known as [[draconids]] are similar to their full-form cousins, but [[humanoid]] or [[bipedal]]. [[Furry]] fantasy characterizations of this style of the dragon may freely combine highly interpretive elements:

* They may or may not have wings. Wings may not be functional for flying or maybe only for gliding.
* Feminine forms (be they female, [[herm]], or otherwise) frequently show [[mammal]]ian traits such as [[breasts]]. Such a character might still be defined as a reptile, or might be conceived more like a mammal with draconic features.
* Legs are often [[digitigrade]], but may be [[plantigrade]].
* Body hair and/or fur is common. It sometimes may be presented as birdlike proto-plumage or down.

In fiction, myth, and character backstories, non-humanoid and humanoid dragons are sometimes two aspects or variations of the same species. It is not uncommon for non-anthro dragons to possess the ability of [[shapeshifting]] in order to assume a humanoid form or presented as examples of parallel evolution.

Known [[furry]] examples of anthro-dragons include [[Brian Harp]]'s Dz'isu, [[AraKaraath]] from his comic ''[[In A Perfect World]]'' and [[Phantomgraph]]'s Dracine.

== Wyvern ==

The wyvern is rendered as a winged reptilian creature. It is distinguished by its possession of only two legs and a single pair of wings. Occasionally, a variant such as the sea-wyvern will possess a fish-like tail. More frequently, however, the wyvern's tail is drawn with a barb or a spade at the tip, which is sometimes considered poisonous.

== Draconic character traits ==

Dragons typically have many character traits ascribed to them. Due to the wide range of mythology and differing perceptions of their personality, there is no definitive guide to draconic characterization. Some classical and popular traits are:

* Hoarding valuable items. Traditionally seen as greed, but sometimes as protection of rarities or items which are valuable in more ways than material riches. Some items are often only of value to the dragon and are collected because of particular interest or just because it's shiny or caught the dragon's attention.
* In [[Japanese mythology|Asian mythology]], an appreciation for fine foods and tea, culture, traditions, and rituals.
* Arrogance, selfishness, and a sense of superiority and/or invulnerability.
* Vanity and great attention to appearances, though not necessarily physical.
* Defensive and territorial, preferring the company of other creatures to another dragon.
* A "breath weapon" of some kind, often visualized as the natural or mystical ability to exhale fire. There are many variations, ranging from icy breath to poisonous clouds. It has been suggested that this originates from the Christian idea that dragons (as "serpents" or "wyrms/worms") embody the tempting serpent of Hell, and thus their bellies are gates linked to Hell; whenever the dragon opens this gate, then, hellfire will belch out. However, such a portrayal can also be considered a derogatory stereotype.
* Deference and even voluntary servitude to great wisdom, purity, power, or beauty.
* Curiosity about smaller, more delicate creatures such as men, to the point of obsession.
* Great cycles of sleep and regeneration, where a dragon might vanish for weeks, months, or years to slumber or hibernate.
* In the oriental context, a dragon is often seen as a messenger of divine powers or enforcer of the law of the gods.
* Mastery of arcane knowledge, such as alchemy and forms of sorcery or magical lore.

One trait many also conceptualize dragons with is referred to as the "pounce or ponder" instinct. A dragon tends to either make a snap decision - or else spend hours, days, or even years laboring over an idea, with little middle ground between the extremes.

==Dragons today==
[[File:c-llewellyn.gif|right|thumb|180px|Llewellyn of [[Ozy and Millie]]]]
Dragons have occasionally taken on a more humanistic sensibility in modern fiction. Anne McCaffrey's [[Wikipedia:Category:Dragonriders of Pern|Dragonriders of Pern]] saga is thought to be the beginning of the modern reconceptualization of the dragon. Particularly within [[comic book]]s, [[anime]], [[manga]] and [[furry fandom]], the dragon as a [[character]] or a personal avatar is often employed to add some draconic qualities onto a more human-oriented foundation. Dragon characters commonly take on a more benign, playful, and warm persona.

* Non-anthropomorphic dragons are frequently direct allies of heroes and villains, and often serve as their protectors, companions or partners.
* ''[[In A Perfect World]]'', the comic strip by [[AraKaraath]], shows dragons as notorious for harassing postal carriers. Common traits include a love of [[shiny|shiny objects]], the ability to "lounge" almost anywhere, and a tendency to take a very long view of things.

* Dragon characters are often crafted for appealing or exciting appearances as much as traditional mythological qualities, and combined with present-day or science fiction settings in addition to traditional fantasy. Here, the dragon's traditional qualities are interpreted in a new context - for example, dragons might be masters of high technology rather than magic, or intellectuals rather than wizards.
* Dragons that have metaphysical elements may employ more modern ideas such as psionic abilities.
* The dragon might embody many traditional aspects, but for new purposes, such as humor. A good example of a traditional yet humorous and contemporary dragon is [[Llewellyn]], from [[D.C. Simpson]]'s comic strip [[Ozy and Millie]].
* The [[theriotype]] of many [[therian]]s or [[otherkin]] is often a dragon.

== Multiplayer worlds ==

Dragon species have been prominent in a number of multiplayer worlds, including [[Alfandria]], [[Dragon's Shadow MUCK]], [[Loneport MUSH]], [[Faibanx]], [[Ryksyll MOO]], [[Istaria]], and [[Minions of Mirth]].

==Fictional dragon characters==

*Dragon (''Shrek'')
*Dulcy the Dragon (SatAM/''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie)|Archie's Sonic the Hedgehog]]'')
*Mushu (''Mulan'')
*Sisu (''Raya and the Last Dragon'')
*Spike (''[[My Little Pony]]'')
*[[Spyro the Dragon]] (''Spyro'')
*Toothless (''How to Train Your Dragon'')

== See also ==

* [[W:Dragons|Dragons]] on [[Wikipedia]]
* [[:Category:Dragon species|Dragon species]]
* [[:Category:Dragon characters|Dragon characters]]
* [[Dragon Code]]

[[Category:Mythological species]]
[[Category:Reptile species]]
{{Featured article}}

[[cs:Draci]]
[[es:Dragón]]
[[it:Drago]]
[[ja:ドラゴン]]
[[ru:Драконы]]
[[pl:Smok]]
[[zh:龍]]
[[pt:Dragão]]

Donkey

2022-06-24T20:39:02Z

2601:18D:4700:2D30:E0B7:4DDC:F97F:336B: /* Anthropomorphism */

[[File:Donkey.jpg|right|240px]]
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The '''donkey''' or '''ass''' is a domesticated member of the [[horse]] family.

==Physical characteristics==
Donkeys vary considerably in size, depending on breed and management. The height at the [[wikipedia:withers|withers]] ranges from 80 to 160cm, and the weight from 80 to 480kg. Donkeys have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years.<ref name=alberta>{{cite web|url= http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex598 |title=The Donkey |publisher= Government of Alberta: Agriculture and Rural Development|date= 1990-11-01 |accessdate=2010-09-14}}</ref>

Donkeys are adapted to marginal desert lands, and have many traits that are unique to the species as a result. Wild donkeys live separated from each other, unlike tight wild and feral horse herds, and in the wild, asses can reach top speeds equalling [[zebra]]s and even most [[horse]]s. Donkeys have developed very loud vocalizations, which help keep in contact with other donkeys over the wide spaces of the desert. The best-known call is referred to as a "bray," which can be heard for over three kilometers. Donkeys in the wild can defend themselves with a powerful kick of their hind legs as well as by biting and striking with their front hooves.

==Terminology==
A [[male]] donkey or ass is called a '''jack''', a [[female]] a '''jenny''', and an offspring less than one year old a '''foal''' (male: '''colt''', female: '''filly''').

===Hybrids===
A '''mule''' is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. The much rarer successful mating of a male horse and a female donkey produces a '''hinny'''. The offspring of a zebra-donkey cross is called a '''zonkey''', '''zebroid''', '''zebrass''', or '''zedonk''';<ref name=zorse>{{cite web|url=http://www.lovelongears.com/zorse.html |title=American Donkey and Mule Society: Zebra Hybrids |publisher=Lovelongears.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-14}}</ref> '''"zebra mule"''' is an older term, but still used in some regions today. The foregoing terms generally refer to hybrids produced by breeding a male zebra to a female donkey. '''Zebra hinny''', '''donkra''', '''zebret''' and '''zebrinny''' all refer to the cross of a female zebra with a male donkey.

==Behaviour==
Donkeys have a notorious reputation for stubbornness, but this has been attributed to a much stronger sense of "self preservation" than exhibited by horses.<ref name=abc>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/creaturefeatures/facts/donkeys.htm |title=ABC.net.au |publisher=ABC.net.au |date=2003-05-19 |accessdate=2010-09-14}}</ref> Likely based on a stronger prey instinct and a weaker connection with man, it is considerably more difficult to force or frighten a donkey into doing something it perceives to be dangerous for whatever reason.

==Anthropomorphism==
[[File:Donkey shrek.JPG|thumb|right|"Donkey" from the ''Shrek'' films]]
===Classical literature===
*In ''The Golden Ass'' by [[wikipedia:Apuleius|Lucius Apuleius Platonicus]], the narrator is turned into a donkey by mistake and spends most of the novel in that shape.
*In Shakespeare's ''[[wikipedia:A Midsummer Night's Dream|A Midsummer Night's Dream]]'', the character Bottom has his head turned into that of a donkey.
*In ''[[wikipedia:The Adventures of Pinocchio|The Adventures of Pinocchio]]'', naughty boys turn into donkeys and are sold off into hard labour.

===Other literature===
*[[wikipedia:Eeyore|Eeyore]], the gloomy donkey from A.A. Milne's "Winnie-the-Pooh" books, and later in film and television adaptions and spin-off works.
*[[wikipedia:Benjamin (Animal Farm)|Benjamin]], the skeptical donkey from George Orwell's ''[[Animal Farm]]''.
*[[wikipedia:Puzzle (Narnia)|Puzzle]] in C. S. Lewis's ''[[wikipedia:The Last Battle|The Last Battle]]''.

===Film===
*[[wikipedia:Donkey (Shrek)|"Donkey"]], voiced by Eddie Murphy, in the [[animation|animated]] movie ''[[wikipedia:Shrek|Shrek]]'' and its sequels.

===Television===
*Baba Looey from ''Quick Draw McGraw''

== References ==
<references/>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Donkey characters|Donkey characters]]

{{wikipedia|Donkey}}
[[Category:Equine species]]
[[it:Asino]]
[[ru:Ослы]]