Gattons

Gattons are the primary Sapient Species of the Stradivari Principate. Evolving on the planet of Condotierr in the Stradivar system. As of the most recent Imperial Census (356B0) there are roughly 30,000,000,000 Gatton, with roughly One Third of the population living on Condotierr. Their civilization is considered to be one one of the primary examples of Hodgkin's Law of Parallel Development.

Biology
The Gatton evolved from a genus of feline primates, commonly known as "Cat-Apes". They are Type 1 Bipeds. featuring bilateral symmetry and having two arms, two legs, an attached abdomen and torso, a neck, and one head, which houses the brain and most sensory organs. The Gatton also possess a long prehensile tail, usually about the length of the individual's torso and head, which is able to hold up their entire body. Their legs are Digitigrade, like those of their ancestors. They are mostly hairless, with only a small covering of body hair except on the top of their heads, and on their tail. On the upper lip they possess 12 whiskers arranged into 4 rows, with 2 on each side of their lip. These are used to sense their environment, and aid Gatton in seeing in the dark. Their skin tone varies from a Dark Brown to a Pale White, but the later is uncommon, due to the high temperatures of most planets where they inhabit, with most Gatton possessing an Olive Skin tone or darker. Gatton possess two sets of ears, the first set being parallel with their nose, and resembling the ears of most humanoids, used for clear hearing at short distances, primarily communication with other Gatton. These are usually covered by the Hair on top of the Gatton's head. Their second pair of ears are located atop their heads, and are Felinid. These ears are primarily used for long distances, and detecting oncoming threats. Their eyesight is of high quality, able to see color in the dark, and are able to see for a distance of 25 kilometers. Their Iris is usually Blue, Green, or Brown, with Green eyes being the most common. Gatton blood is copper based, with the blood being an Emerald Green when oxygenated. Their eyesight is of high quality, able to see color in the dark, and are able to see for a distance of 25 kilometers. Their eyes

The Gatton are omnivores, eating a primarily meat based diet, with vegetation being used to provide other needed nutrients. On their homeworld they were Secondary Predators, themselves being preyed upon by several species of Reptilians and other Mammalians, until they developed tool use. This is likely the reason for their tendency towards polygamy, mating for life in groups of four, with all offspring raised by members of the Polycule. This allowed the Gatton and their ancestors to defend their Young against predators when trapped on the ground during migrations. This behavior has continued into modern Gatton Society, with Polycule often growing beyond four, though four is the usual expectation, with it being seen as less expected for Polycule to have a balance of male and female members.