Riardi Genetic Codex- Chimerism & Flux-Chimerism

Chimerism results from the fusion of two embryos within a life-bearing parent, forming a single individual. It first arose within the tri-color variant of the diamondback fur pattern in riardi. Due to the affected individuals’ sterility, the allele is only maintained in unique circumstances or via special mutations. Chimerism is noted with the CHI locus.

  • Genetic Code:
    • CHI/chi: True Chimeric individual.
    • chi/chi: Normal (No chimerism).
  • Phenotypic Expression:
    • Pattern Split: Distinct fur patterns on the left and right sides of the body.
    • Color Inversion: Identical pattern layout but with inverted color placements (e.g., white zebra pattern with black stripes on one side; black with white stripes on the other).
    • Associated Traits: Often displays heterochromia.
  • Biological Constraints: True chimeras are always sterile and typically intersex (though expressions sometimes occur in other genders).
  • Lineage Interaction: When CHI/chi is paired with DBT/DBT, the split-pattern phenotype is further emphasized.

Flux Chimera (FLK-Locus)

Prose: Flux chimeras display chimera-like effects on their fur patterns, but the mechanism is different- it is influenced by the Flux mutation. These individuals mimic the visual appearance of true chimerism without the biological constraints.

  • Genetic Code:
    • FLK/FLK or FLK/flk: Flux Chimera phenotype.
    • flk/flk: Normal (No Flux-induced chimerism).
  • Phenotypic Expression: Effectively replicates the split-pattern or inverted-color visual effects seen in true chimerism.
  • Biological Status: Unlike true chimeras, Flux chimeras are fertile and can be any gender, maintaining standard sexual development.

Adaptation: Flexible Ankles (FXA-Locus)

Prose: Fully flexible ankles is a closed genetic adaptive trait. This health condition does not pass on to offspring who are of blended heritage. Although ore riardi have this, it sometimes manifests in chimerism as well.

  • Genetic Code:
    • FXA/FXA: Fully flexible ankles (Ore-only).
  • Constraint: This is a closed trait; it does not persist in blended heritage lineages. Once the line is "blended," the FXA locus does not express.