Ryx 1221226801|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
(A few ideas/concepts to concider)
The word 'Centaur' as used typically (or singularly) refers only to the classic equine version that certain cultures have created (or encountered). The overall term is also used loosely to define all human-animal quadrupedal admixtures such as what might be seen when certain Keepers assume hybrid forms.
These hybrid non-equine forms may also be referred to by their Seulish Taxonomic terms: Vulpitaur, Equitaur, Felitaur and the like, but only in those regions where more than one specific species form might be encountered (specifically Metamor in this instance) on a somewhat regular basis.
Concerning the classic Centaur, there are considerable variants that may be referred to by respectful or derrogetory terms as defined by the culture using them.
Equitaur - Same as the standard Centaur but having a horse's head as opposed to human. Generally not found to have human-level intelligence but are sentient beyond the average horse.
Man-Sired - A more perjorative terminology referring to centaurs considerably smaller than average (standing approx 5-6 feet at their head), lacking the equine ears, with predominantly human facial/torso features and considerably less body hair on their upper body. Certain cultures also refer to them as 'Hinds' due to their smaller lower bodies resembling a deer-like physiology. Among centaur cultures these smaller, more human appearing centaurs are thought to be the results between men and centaur mares. They are often outcasts regardless.
Beast-Sired - Again, a perjorative referring to the generally accepted centaur form, or for the equi-taur variant (typcially) resulting between a classic centaur and standard horse. Where centaurs are not seen as 'natural' creatures the perjorative refers to the (perhaps inaccurate) thought that centaurs result between human (male) and mares. For obvious reasons it is not often expected that a human female can bring such a hybrid to term and survive.
Dietary needs:
Due to having very large bodies and very small mouths for keeping those bodies functional the normal centaur will be seen to eat continuously, or partaking in a more omniverous diet to supply higher protien to sustain their energy and growth requirements. The teeth of a centaur are amazingly tough structures, beyond even human norm, and grow continuously throughout their lives forcing centaurs to 'nibble' much like rodents do though the continuous intake of small food items tends to limit the need for some object to gnaw on and keep their teeth in good shape.
General diet is quite broad, consisting primarily of fruits & vegetables for the high nutritional value and greens for bulk and fiber. Centaurs in the 'wild' (if such exist) are nomadic gatherers where culturally developed centaurs cultivate huge orchards & gardens, and defend them with considerable vigilance (which lends to the commonly accepted view that centaurs are very adept warriors).
Tortional stresses:
Much like horses, centaurs that take a tumble can suffer very detrimental tortional injuries through their lower bodies and the junction between the equine scapula (shoulders/withers) is also quite vulnerable though extremely muscular. The lower spine of the upper torso has more vertebre than a human, with thicker inter-vertebral disks allowing for the amazing flexability of their upper torso.
Upper & Lower body organs:
As the upper body is given more to the muscle structure attaching it to the equine scapula there is little room in the upper body/torso for the standard array of organs. There is no heart in the upper torso, but there is a circulatory amendmant structure to increase blood pressure to the upper body & head. This could be considered analgous to the human heart and injury to it can be very debilitating if not outright fatal.
There are also rudementary lung structures that provide oxygen primarily for the head and serve as a bellows structure to fill the primary lungs of the lower body due to the small air inflow structures of the human head. (I have no idea what a centaur's facial structure would be like simply to provide enough airflow for the lower body.)
The upper body also posseses a reduced digestive system and segregated stomach that is the primary structure used in the digestion of meat, dairy, and other non-vegetable matter. The lower intestine from this intitial stomach prevents high-fat foods from entering the lower gut to prevent bloating or disruption of the lower alimentary tract.
