12-24-2018, 06:26 AM
Re-adjusted the biology based on more research into methanogenic/methanotrophic and nitrifying bacteria. Primary producing organisms are a combination between nitrogen fixing bacteria that convert diatomic nitrogen (N2) into nitrogenous compounds, and multi-cellular autotrophic methanogens that combine reduce carbon dioxide to oxidize ammonia, creating nitrogen-rich "nutrients" and methane. Heterotrophic methanogens consume these autotrophs or other heterotrophs, oxidizing the nutrients gained using the reduction of carbon dioxide, producing more methane. The methane byproduct is then metabolized by various methanotrophic organisms back into carbon dioxide. Complex mulit-cellular life is slower, more "primitive", and less varied than on Earth.
This obviously doesn't follow the pattern on Earth, where typically methanotrophs and nitrifying bacteria are distinct groups that compete against and inhibit one another, but combing them makes the most sense for a well-rounded ecosystem on a distinctly alien planet without having to go too much into detail, and can be used as part of the Muuh efforts in promoting the uplifting of the Soft Ones.
As far as technology goes: despite being a reducing atmosphere since there is the presence of H2O and CO2 once their understanding of chemistry is advanced enough they would be able to safely extract O2 and safely contain it, then using it to oxidize propellants and ultimately achieving spaceflight.
This obviously doesn't follow the pattern on Earth, where typically methanotrophs and nitrifying bacteria are distinct groups that compete against and inhibit one another, but combing them makes the most sense for a well-rounded ecosystem on a distinctly alien planet without having to go too much into detail, and can be used as part of the Muuh efforts in promoting the uplifting of the Soft Ones.
As far as technology goes: despite being a reducing atmosphere since there is the presence of H2O and CO2 once their understanding of chemistry is advanced enough they would be able to safely extract O2 and safely contain it, then using it to oxidize propellants and ultimately achieving spaceflight.