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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
→Shaping
A unique feature of the Kroot is that they evolve by absorbing the traits of other species, a process accomplished by eating their flesh. For instance, Kroot that eat a particularly muscular species, such as [[Orks]], will take on more muscular physiques themselves.{{Fn|4c}}{{Fn|4d}} Kroot can change substantially from this process, even growing wings.{{Fn|15}} Due to this, the many Kroot warbands across the galaxy often look radically different. Kroot leaders are known as [[Shaper]]s{{Fn|4d}}; they are generally the Kroot with the instinctive ability to recognise desirable and detrimental traits in defeated foes and instruct the kindred what to eat to suit the task at hand.{{Fn|4f}}{{Fn|6a}} Should anything inorganic and indigestible be consumed, the Kroot must regurgitate it, with considerable discomfort.{{Fn|1}}
This eating of their foes ties in with the religious beliefs of the Kroot: they believe that when a warrior of any race dies, his their warrior spirit should be kept, and the only way to do this is by eating his their flesh. The Kroot practice this in their "burial" customs, in which the body of the deceased is consumed by the kindred.{{Fn|2}}
The Kroot digestive system is extremely efficient, capable of breaking down almost any organic material into an energy form that can be stored in specialised organs scattered throughout their bodies, called '''nymunes'''.{{Fn|9d}}
