How the Saint Bathans Mascaret Survived the Miocene

In this alternate scenario, the Saint Bathans mammal, instead of disappearing in the Miocene epoch, evolved to adapt to the changing climatic conditions and compete with the diverse fauna in New Zealand. This event induced an adaptive radiation, resulting in flourishing, varied species that are distinctly different but share a common ancestor. As the climate gradually cooled and the geographical features changed, some of the Saint Bathans mammal species developed to remain tiny, shrew-like creatures, maintaining their insectivorous diets. These species adapted to thrive in forest edges and cloud forests inhabiting the corners of New Zealand's North and South Islands. Other species of Saint Bathans mammal trod a different evolutionary path, becoming rat-like in size and behavior. They discovered opportunities in the dense forests and grasslands, where they adapted to a diet of plants, seeds, and small insects. With the evolution of their size, these rat-like species developed different physiological characteristics such as sharp front teeth to gnaw and broader rear teeth to grind plant matter, thus, becoming more herbivorous. A third branch of Saint Bathans mammals evolved into otter-like forms, adapting to freshwater habitats in New Zealand's intricate river systems. They developed webbed limbs for efficient swimming and slick, water-repellent fur coats. Feeding mainly on fish and aquatic invertebrates, these otter-like mammals filled an empty ecological niche in New Zealand's rivers and lakes. Despite their diversity, all these Saint Bathans mammal species coexisted with the native fauna, playing their individual roles in the ecosystem. For instance, the shrew-like forms kept the insect population in check, while the rat-like forms assisted in seed dispersal. The otter-like forms, on the other hand, affected the aquatic ecosystem dynamics by regulating fish and invertebrate populations. This alternate scenario not only ensures the survival of the Saint Bathans mammal but showcases their versatility and adaptability to varying living conditions, a testimony to nature's resilience and biodiversity.