In late autumn, when temperatures begin to drop, the Degela Koro starts to produce a specialized cocktail of glucose and other antifreeze compounds throughout its body. This is in preparation for its annual hibernation, during which the amphibious creature enters a state of deep dormancy and allows its body temperature and processing functions to decrease dramatically. A master of camouflage, the Degela Koro tends to nestle amongst leaf litter, scraps of tree bark, or log crevices, and it can alter the color and pattern of its skin in a matter of minutes to better match its surroundings. Although the Degela Koro spends the vast majority of its days on dry land, it is not uncommon to spot these creatures wallowing in shallow patches of mud. Their sides and fleshy tails are flanked by a row of glossy, translucent frills that mimic the appearance of sparkling icicles and secrete a bitter-tasting substance that wards off would-be predators—even during the creature's state of deep winter dormancy. Come springtime, as the ground thaws and the season's first buds begin to unfurl, so too does the Degela Koro come back to life. In a matter of days, it will return to its normal energetic state, migrating in colonies to seek out warmer breeding grounds for the spring mating season.

The creatures that dwell in this rather desolate world still display some diversity in appearance, eating habits, and social behavior. Whether they have fur or feathers, skin or scales, their unique genetic makeup allows for a variety of colors and markings within each species. Despite limitations in food sources, herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores are all present in the food chain, and each species requires specialized care within a laboratory. Although the artificial setting of housing units and breeding pods precludes most opportunities to study true interspecific behavior, the interactions within and between species has been studied extensively in the wilderness by scientists daring enough to venture beyond the outpost’s walls.