Parshendi Development (for a Bio project!)

[LilacFire]

Already posted on the Reddit, but wanted to hear the ideas that people have on here too!

In my Development Biology class, our final project is to make a presentation on our favorite humanoids, focusing specifically on 3 morphological differences between the humanoid and humans. I chose the Parshendi as the focus of my project - I want to talk about (1) their ability to grow carapace (when in Warform), (2) the red-black patterning that they have as skin, and (3) their gemhearts. I think I have a fair idea how and what I want to write about for the first 2 things (think of turtle/crab carapace development!), but I am a bit stumped on how to approach the third. Does anyone have any insight into how their gemhearts are formed? Also, anything about how they are born/develop that is in the books would also be appreciated!

[+hwiles]

My understanding is that, physiologically, the gemhearts don't directly do anything. That is, they facilitate a symbiotic bond with lesser non-sapient creatures (spren). Without getting into magic systems and Investiture, this is kind of a weird thing to describe.

My advice: discuss how they have 4 genders or how they can re-pupate into various specialized roles at will based on the need of their hive instead.

[Feruchemist]

I know a fair bit about biology, so I feel that I can suggest answers adequately.

I would describe their gemheart as a useless bit of "left over" material in their body that is created as a result of accrued minerals.  Alternatively, one could say that the gemheart is a sort of useless "bone", such as the tailbone, found in humans, that serves little purpose.  However, offering a satisfying explanation for the existence of the gemheart (why it evolved in the Parshendi and how it channels Investiture) seems challenging.

As the poster before me said, I would instead delve into how they use a specialized form of communication, and how they can pupate into new forms if the community needs them to do so.

Furthermore, one can surmise (from evidence on Roshar) that organisms (including Parshendi) evolved gemhearts in order to facilitate the storing and tapping of investiture.  This cannot be explained satisfactorily through the use of non-Cosmere, real-world science without utilizing speculation and adaptation that replaces Investiture with electromagnetic force or something else.  And even that is stretching the science a bit.

I apologize, but I cannot offer insight on how Parshendi are born.

Best of luck with your project!

Edited November 9, 2018 by Feruchemist
More to add.

[Wandering Investor]

1: The carapace is available to more than just warform.
2: The patterning can be red, black, or white, although rarely all three at once.
3: The gemhearts are white in color and are used to facilitate the spren bond... and that's about all we know. How the creatures of Roshar develop gemhearts at all is currently unknown.

4: Parshendi are typically malen and femalen, except when in mating form in which case they are considered female and male. Slave form can still have children, so presumably so can any form, they just feel no desire to do so unless in mating form. Not much is known about the child's development, how long they take to age or what their default form is, or if they even have a spren bond or not.