So clearly to take Shaping Focus you have to be level 5 at a minimum (since Knowledge Nature has to have 5 ranks) but what if you have 4 levels in, say, Monk and 1 level in Druid.
A few questions:
1. Are you considered as having the Wild Shape class feature if you haven't yet reached 4th level as a druid? (i.e. do you have class features even if you don't yet qualify for them w/o this type of "add your non-class levels..." feat?
No. Until you hit the level where you get the class feature you do not have the class feature.
3. What then happens when I gain another level and take it as Druid - i.e. so my effective druid level for wild shape is now 6th - does this mean I gain both a second wild shape use per day as well as the 6th level shape option increases?
The feat moves with you, its not a one time static bonus. So a level 6 druid level 1 fighter taking the feat at 7th level functions as a 7th level druid for determining shapeshifting. If he levels to a level 6 druid level 2 fighter he's an 8th level druid for wildshaping, if he levels to a druid 6 fighter 3 he's 9th level etc.
[further bonus question what Monk abilities work in wild shape form? WIS bonus to AC? Improved Unarmed Strike damage? (perhaps depending on the form taken?) Bonus base movement speed? Slow Fall?]They all work, since they're not derived from your shape they're derived from your class. Your t rex druid can tail quan do people into submission if they want.
While under the effects of a polymorph spell, you lose all extraordinary and supernatural abilities that depend on your original form (such as keen senses, scent, and darkvision), as well as any natural attacks and movement types possessed by your original form. You also lose any class features that depend upon form, but those that allow you to add features (such as sorcerers that can grow claws) still function.
You do not have the class feature until you have the class feature.