Animals of the IC: every species you’ll find there

There is a world that has been out of reach until now. Lying between Jessop West and Richard Roberts, that world is known as the Information Commons. This is a story of its remarkable population and their journey of survival within the treacherous university peninsula. Encompassed by pressure across many weeks, a thick compost of stress has built up and a chasm of exhaustion now remains for a mile deep.

Fringed with torment, the six levels of this community play host to a series of amazingly complex behavioural patterns. It’s impossible not to be impressed by  the diversity of this natural world,  so we endeavour to guide you through every corner of this landscape and bring you closer to its inhabitants than ever before.

The Snacker:

Our first and one of the most common mammals in the  IC wilderness reminds us of the extreme lengths some go to survive. As ‘the Snacker’ enters the study jungle, it immediately prowls for a reliable food source to fuel its intense essay writing. Common elements in this creature’s diet include: the famous John’s Van, the nutritious new leaf salad, and the brief joy of a Sainsbury’s meal deal.

To the annoyance of those around, pungent odours and noisy devouring will disrupt the balance of the working environment. Life in the IC suits this inhabitant well and the vast provisions make things all the more bearable, but this comes at a price. As the Snacker’s size increases, the animal is caught in a cycle and is unable to complete its daily tasks without overindulging in the nearest food supply.

the exposing of feet is another common behavioural trait

The PDA Couple:

Here we also find the provocative exhibition of the wild PDA Couple. These undergraduate creatures move quick when an amorous liaison looks promising and are rarely put off by onlookers. If you are innocently revising hard for those January exams on level four, you may be unlucky enough to witness an extraordinary sight. You might think an assessed presentation and coursework would be a handicap for the intimacies of courtship, but this pair will shamelessly eat each other’s faces without sparing a thought for everyone else in the IC kingdom.

The All-nighter:

And now we come onto an illusive creature, known as ‘the all-nighter’. Primarily active after dark, the infamous third year Morgazoid was the pinnacle of this species. With the IC slighter cooler at these times, this proves favourable with these nocturnal animals and they soon make the library their second home. Living on a starter pack of energy drink, coffee, and sugary sweets, the common all-nighter can be identified by the black circle markings under their fatigued eyes. This group will work right until dawn and then slip away back to the cave dwellings of Broomhill and Crookes.

this mammal will stir from 10pm to 6am

The Chatterbox:

Said to be from the same species as the hyena, the chatter boxes are energetic creatures that travel in groups. Their habitat lies by the large tables in the IC where energy supplies are prevalent to accommodate their many forms of technology that feed their curious minds and talkative tongues. Whether found in larger groups or in pairs, the chatter boxes will no doubt be seen discussing what one is lead to assume are important topics native to their culture. If you listen carefully the phrase ‘Made in Chelsea’ is often heard being repeated over and over.

The Sleeper:

Next we have the fortune of meeting one of the slowest animals in the whole of the IC biome. Characterised by dozing as soon as they mark their territory in an library seat, ‘the Sleeper’ is motionless and an easy target for predators who like the look of their chocolate digestives. The sleeper is capable of staying motionless during the most active parts of the daytime. Lucky for us, they are a creature that can be identified easily by the abundance of snapshots collected over the years. As a part of the sleepers family, the Snapchatter helps record their movements or rather lack of.

As you can see the sleeper adapts to its surroundings to create adequate sleeping conditions

The Tinder- swiper:

As mating season commences lone mammals will go out on the prowl. With such a large population of youthful, single mammals, the IC has become a prime mating spot. If you look closely behind the computer screen on level two, an alpha male can be seen leaning back on his chair ready to spot eligible females. Committed males in the pack will move beyond their own circle of potential partners to find the right mate, though many prefer to search within a five mile radius. This action of swiping right and left can proceed for hours if the animal continues to feel unsatisfied with his choices. Despite this time consuming activity, mating for these animals is vital for survival. Even more vital than finishing their coursework.

The Snapchatter:

Much like chameleons, the Snapchatter is able to rapidly change their appearance to adapt to their surroundings. Most of them will embody a facade similar to that of the dog species. Known as one of the more vain mammals in the IC kingdom, the snapchatter can be identified by its ‘third eye’  also known as the ‘selfie’ that allows them to look out for creeping photo bombers or photo opportunities  behind them. During feeding time, you will find these creatures snapping a shot of their overpriced meal deal.

The Caffeine Addict:

These mammals are said to have a constant buzz in their ears and are characterised by a tendency to shake uncontrollably, particularly around exam time. They are often in the IC with their very own coffee flask and more than a few paper cups around them. They spend much of their day around the watering hole, where the largest supply of caffeine can be found in the IC Kingdom. Not knowing if they will have enough caffeine to last all day (and probably night) is a continuous struggle for these mammals.

The Sports Fanatic:

Observing play time is always a preferred moment of the day for this competitive creature. Most days they sit amongst their habitat watching the games with pleasure and ease, ignoring the work they are yet to complete. As a loyal creature, it is in the very nature of the Sports fanatic to support the members of their pride even when they are beaten. Their normal behavioural patterns go through a rapid change when such events occur and one often sees them fall into a state of shock where all senses become solely focused on the computer screen in front of them.

The Ghost:

And now we come across a species that has proven to be an unwelcome addition to the IC. The ghost is a lone creature that is difficult to come across and their appearance is still a mystery to us all. Difficult though they might be to spot, the ghost will never fail to leave traces of their last known location that is usually in the form of half eaten food and pages of work. The question of whether they will return to that same spot is one that, for now, remains uncertain.

Lets look on the bright side…at least they leave biscuits

The Online Shopper:

The IC Kingdom cannot possibly be complete without its shoppers. This creature takes pride in their appearance and will no doubt use their keen shoppers eye to attract a mate. During these cold, winter months, the shoppers find themselves needing to grow extra layers to protect their skins. Some are more partial to a fur coat whilst others rely on the toughness of leather to see them through. Many will search for ways to protect their paws from frostbite but nevertheless will use their time in the IC to prepare for the subsequent change of seasons where a lighter coat is required.