Quercus ilex (E.), a Eunomic species of tree named after the holly oak, is thought to be an early ancestor of all animaplants. Millions of years prior to the evolution of modern Dryads, a subspecies of Q. ilex (E.) evolved known as “Quercus ilex complexii.” This subspecies was unique in that individuals would form a network of anastomosis between each other’s roots. These made up enormous interconnected groves in which nutrients could be shared among the trees. Another species of tree evolved from Q. ilex complexii called Quercus conexii. Q. conexii was the first of a class of trees known as Syndendrons. They were different from their ancestors in that, through anastomosis, they were able to act as a large communicative network, similar to a nervous system, and increase the amount of nutrients and energy they could take in through photosynthesis and the soil.
The first species to be considered true animaplants evolved from the Syndendrons. One such species, Ramus animatus, is thought to be the earliest common ancestor of the class Diclada, a class of animaplants that include the Dryads and are characterized by having two upper, arm-like limbs and the ability to bear fruit. R. animatus is known to have attained a form of autonomy in the earlier stages of its life-cycle. The seeds of the mature, stationary form of R. animatus would fall from their parent tree with large internal reservoirs of glucose. These seeds would then use this glucose to enter a state of rapid growth; forming roots, developing leaves for photosynthesis, a primitive mouth, compacted collections of light-sensitive photoreceptors (from chloroplasts), and a nervous system.
When the glucose reserves ran out, the sprouts of R. animatus would uproot themselves and use their roots as flagella to move around. These juvenile forms, or “saplings,” of R. animatus would then use their mouths to collect more nutrients from outside sources; other plants, fruits, etc. This would aid them in getting rid of any competition in the area and gain enough nutrients to maintain their nervous system. Pheromones would act as a form of communication between the parent trees and the autonomous saplings, allowing the saplings to protect and help the parent trees. When the saplings matured, they would search for an open spot to become an adult tree and connect their roots to the rest of the grove.
Over time and through many competing species and generations, the juvenile forms diversified and became increasingly more complex. In some species, a sort of thick, woody material developed within the saplings’ bodies for greater support and mobility. Their phloems and xylems grew smaller and more complex, forming a sort of cardiovascular system. Their mouths grew more intricate with natural tools for chewing, grinding and breaking down food. They were able to taste their food as well, generally preferring the taste of glucose. Their appendages became more complex, allowing them to grasp things and move more efficiently. Their previously simple nervous system developed a centralized brain-like structure, and their photoreceptors became encased in sacs of fluid with adjustable lenses increasing the quality of their vision.
One of the most important evolutionary feats for the dryads and other Diclada species involved the development of a more substantial respiratory system. All plants engage in the process of respiration which combines oxygen with food to produce energy, albeit the usual amount of oxygen consumed in this process is negligible, especially compared to the carbon dioxide processed during photosynthesis. Developing a more complex respiratory system allowed for the intake of more oxygen and greater energy yields, which further allowed for the development of larger brains and greater movement. The first species to show early signs of such a respiratory system appears to have been infected with a type of aerobic fungi. The species is known as ___, and while the fungi killed off most individuals it infected, a few individuals had a genetic mutation that allowed them to survive and form a symbiotic relationship with the fungi. The fungi would be passed on to offspring that would eventually diversify to comprise the Eunomic taxonomic order of Pneumata.
The Dryadea family, analogous to the great ape family for humans, later split off from the Pneumata order. Species within the Dryadea family are characterized by a roughly humanoid body shape and large brains relative to their body size. The genus Dryas later developed encompassing Dryas sapiens and other species closely related to the modern Dryad. Dryas sapiens, the modern Dryad, is the only extant species of the Dryadea family.