These strange lifeforms appear on countless planets, where they proceed to do... nothing. They don't attack or assist, nor do they grow out of control like most invasive species -- in fact "infected" worlds only ever have one or two. They don't even die, as damaged Rooties will continue carrying on dilly-dallying as if nothing happened regardless of the state it's in. Some have speculated they are an exotic form of land claim flags or a surveyance system on an impossibly large scale, though no one has yet taken credit for these enigmatic organisms.
Rooties have been recorded for millions of years, so if they are simply waiting for a certain event, they sure are remarkably patient...
