I'm guessing that evolution would converge in a certain way, like the way marsupials have pretty much the same functions/position in the food chain as placental mammals of the same size.

Indeed. There might be some superficial differences - kangaroos don't get around the same way as gazelles - but I dare say alien planets have animals that have specialised in the same things.

And somehow you've made the Cybermen even more terrifyingly horrid.

The worst part is that just like the Cybermen in the regular universe, they'd think they were better off. They would keep telling people that they would be better off without their daemons and not understand why everyone objected.

Is every Labrador ever, including the black and chocolate ones ;)

Indeed *g*.

I love the idea of Jo being something bright and feathery but good at escape acts. I'd say a budgie but this may be personal bias.

Having known a few budgies, I like that idea!