Notes: Crystalline life forms
The crystalline life forms are not native to this world. They were in a chunk of debris from the rogue planet that disrupted Equis orbit. The impact site in the center of Equestria the crystals themselves form the center of Canterhorn.
Each cluster functions as a hive mind, the larger the crystal cluster the more intelligence it has. At what point does a cluster develops sentience and sapience I have yet to determined, nor do I know if each species develops differently.
Identified species and classifications.
Canterhorn cluster crystal species. This is primary still the original life form with evolutionary changes for Equis. The prime cluster is vastly intelligent but processing thoughts as we know them is very slow. Its native habitat was often cold and only endured heat when nearing a star. Adapted for long-term survival on an otherwise lifeless world this species spends countless years in suspended animation, similar to how tardigrades can endure long periods of inactivity.
Stone Clusters a version of the crystalline life form diverged greatly from the Canterhorn cluster. This variation lives in granite and other stones. The largest known cluster of this type is Holder’s Boulder. Unlike the Tree of Harmony species, this type does not demonstrate magical abilities, it does possess the ability to communicate to certain ponies. Holder’s Boulder maybe just selective on who it communicates to, or the members of the Pie family are unique and can just understand it.
Black Crystal Clusters, just like how the Tree of Harmony Cluster was imbued with magic, Black Crystal Clusters are also affected by magic in more negative means. Appearing as dark black stone these black crystals can use the magic imbued in them to affect the outside world.
Symbiotic Clusters. These clusters live on or in an Equis life form, as of this time I have identified one such life, as well as a second possible.
Natural Predators.
Dragons have developed into the natural predator of the Crystalline lifeforms. I originally believed that dragons were symbiotic with the Crystalin life, however, having studied the dragon Tinder I corrected my assumptions.
The Dragon Greed Growth is a defensive means of defending the Hoard from stronger Dragons. This quick growth helps younger weaker dragons fight off any threat to their food supply. Once the hoard been restored, or the perceived threat is gone the young dragon would revert to its original size.
Another Crystalline lifeform Preditor is the Dimond Dogs. Highly adapted to digging and their sense of smell have developed to detect large sources of gems.
Dragon biology.
Dragons appear Predatory with their dagger-like teeth, armored hides, and sharp claws, the truth is these are not tools for hunting prey. Their diets are omnivorous, even more than humans.
The dagger-like teeth to cut and crush Crystal Gem Clusters, Sharp claws for digging dens as well as digging for gems.
They live in a very hostile environment compared to other carbon-based life, this is due to them having learned the heat of the volcanoes speeds up the growth of their primary food source, the crystalline life found in Equis gems. It's possible the fire breathing and higher body temperature of a dragon developed as natural means to increase the growth of the Crystalline life forms when natural heat sources aren't accessible.
Their stashes of gems grow as the microbes absorb heat (inferred radiation) much like how plants use sunlight. To resist the intense heat of the volcanoes, the dragons utilize the crystal structures of their primary food source. A dragon’s scales and hide are crystalline in makeup giving a dragon heat resistance. So much so they can easily endure the heat of lava flows.
There is a downside to this, if a dragon doesn’t consume enough crystalline life, they lose this protection. New scales come in weak and are easily broken. This is what happened to the young dragon Tinder I meet at the Ravenblood Den.
Side note: Tinder is recovering from Crystalline deficiency thanks to my supply I donated to her, for her swearing loyalty of course.
A dragon would continue to grow throughout their life. As they mature they enter long stretches of hibernation-like sleep. It is my belief they do this so their hoard of gems can grow large enough to provide a full meal.
Side Note: It very possible a dragon’s growth is directly tied to how often they get enough gems. This would explain why Spike is so small but has the same mental maturity as Tinder, and Smolder. This would take further study.