//------------------------------// // A Biological Overview of Equus mannulus pegasus // Story: The Sparkle Essays // by food food food //------------------------------// A Biological Overview of Equus mannulus pegasus A Physiological Study of Pegasus Ponies by Twilight Sparkle Of the three primary pony subspecies, the pegasi are arguably the most physiologically interesting. Though they do not possess the magical talent of the unicorn or the raw power of the earth pony, pegasi rule the skies along feathered wings, able to perch on clouds and control the weather itself. These abilities grant them roles in Equestrian society and elsewhere that otherwise cannot be filled, ensuring the wellbeing of Equestria from the skies. The most striking feature of any pegasus is the pair of wings connected to the medial dorsal surface of the body. The Ala Humerus connects to a ball and socket joint along the blade of the Scapula, and, along with the Ala Ulna, Ala Radius, and the Ala Digits, makes up a third pair of limbs separate from the legs. The wings are extremely similar to their avian counterparts in terms of skeleton, muscle, and feather structure, with the Ala Trapezius connecting the wing to the Dorsal Keel, a specialized vertebra developed for flight motions. The wing is coated in primary, secondary, and tertiary feather groups with Coverts, Scapulas, and Alulas to provide flight. Pegasus feathers are sometimes used as alchemical ingredients due to their inherent magical properties. The wing is extremely flexible and strong, with many muscle groups controlling the coordination of even the smallest feather groups. The effect is a highly maneuverable, extremely agile flight system capable of carrying out difficult motions at speed. The anatomy of the pegasi is remarkably different from the other pony subspecies, even without taking their wings into account. Pegasi have hollow bones, much like Aves, but like Griffons, the bones encase a matrix of bone marrow, cartilage, and stem cells. Further layers of cartilage surround each bone, each with a small amount of stem cells for healing purposes. This results in a lightweight skeletal structure required for flight, but includes structures for healing injuries that may occur upon collisions at speed or from altitude, thus pegasi bones are quick to break, but heal within days. Surrounding the skeleton of the pegasus is the most complex muscle system in the Equus genus. For takeoff, the leg muscles, especially the Popliteus, Cranial Tibials, and Digital Extensors, are heavily reinforced. The forelegs of the pegasi are especially strong, even by earth pony standards, in order to cushion the impact of landings. Pegasi are naturally athletic, and fast even when grounded, even though they lack the skeletal strength and muscular endurance of earth ponies. Like Griffons, the internal organs of the pegasi are heavily adapted for flight. The lungs of a pegasus are 20% larger than those of an earth pony and 30% larger than a unicorn’s. Likewise, the heart of a pegasus is 50% larger than an earth pony’s and nearly double the size of a unicorn’s. The large cardio-respiratory organs can only fit due to the diminished digestive system. Like birds, pegasi excrete uric acid to improve water retention and lower weight. This mode of salt excretion is unlike anything else in the Equus genus, as is the crop and gizzard digestive system in the abdominal cavity. These adaptations give pegasi high metabolisms, which is countered with napping behavior or high caloric intake. Even without active magic, the average pegasus has an energy intake higher than most unicorns and almost double that of any given earth pony. It is a common assumption that the only magic pegasi possess is the ability to physically interact with clouds and change weather patterns. In fact, the magic of pegasi reaches far beyond weather and to flight itself. Aerodynamically, no pegasus is capable of flight. The wings are too small, the body is too heavy, and the drag would keep speeds to a crawl. All pegasus flight is magic based, easing them through the air and allowing higher speeds than physically possible. If a pegasus trains well enough, they can strengthen this magic, which directly increases flight aptitude (measured in Wing Power). The magical field surrounding a pegasus allows for the control of weather formations including the creation and destruction of cloud formations. Large numbers of pegasi can upkeep structures as large as Cloudsdale or Las Pegasus. If an individual pony’s Wing Power is high enough, they can reach speeds high enough to release immense bursts of pegasi magic in phenomena known as a Sonic Rainboom. Few of these have ever been recorded. The powers possessed by the pegasi heavily influence their culture, especially in the Pre-Classical Era. The pegasi tribes were fierce warriors who often threatened the unicorn and earth pony tribes with foul weather in exchange for tribute. Commander Hurricane first united them under one banner, instilling a deep military tradition that continues to this day with the Wingguard and the Wonderbolts. Most pegasi contribute greatly to public services; though they comprise only a quarter of Equestria’s population, the majority of them are employed as weather engineers, military members, mail workers, or in other areas that emphasize their talents. Pegasi contribute much to the wellbeing of Equestria, and are marvels of natural efficiency. Further study of this subspecies may yield greater findings into their abilities and potential. For now, they rule the skies of Equestria, a testament to their abilities.