In Character Conference Science Seminar  – Evolutionary Exobiology – 10406.26  1100 EST Terran

Speaker: Captain Eric Woo, CO - USS Huron

Subject: Evolutionary Exobiology, or Why Are Bolians Blue?
 
Synopsis: The Alpha Quadrant is full of an incredibly wide and varied collection of species, each wholly distinct culturally and physically. The Klingons are recognized by their familiar forehead ridge protrusions, Betazoids by their telepathic abilities, Ferengi by their large ears and yes, Bolians by their blue skin tone. But the question at hand is, why do the Klingons have such distinctive ridges? Why are Betazoids telepathic? Why do Ferengi have such obscenely large ears? And, yes, Why Are Bolians Blue? In this exciting seminar, we will seek to answer these questions from an evolutionary and cultural perspective. A background in science is not required - so pop on by and let's have some fun!

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Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Linda: Ah, good morning, ma'am, I'm afraid this conference is open to Starfleet officers only... but I'm sure it's no problem if I let you sit in for a bit. What's your name, miss? :;smiles::

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
how's that ;)

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: Ah, my apologies, lieutenant. Please take a padd, some beverage and refreshment, and I will begin quite shortly. Though it may not be much of a seminar if not more people arrive. ::smiles politely::

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
Looks like I'm either very early or this is a small class ::smiles at the professor::

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
::grabs a padd and a glass of water from the replicator, and sits down in the first row of the classroom, waiting anxiously for others to show up.::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: So how are you today, lieutenant?

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: Fine, Sir.  You?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: Oh, I am quite excited today, lieutenant. A nice healthy dose of evolutionary theory always does one good, I always say... and I take it you find it somewhat interesting yourself, given that you are here! ::laughs::'

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: Well I have heard this is going to be quite interesting.  ::Notices another student entering the classroom.  Smiles.::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Solaa: Ah, good morning, lieutenant. ::looks back; she seems familiar; he shakes his head:: Please grab a padd, some refreshment...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: walks to his desk and sits on top :: All: Well! We do not have too many people in attendance today, but I'm sure we can still have a nice discussion. Do I need to explain the theory of evolution for those present, or are we comfortable with it? Solaa: I know that you were here yesterday.

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: Actually, Sir.  I am a bit rusty.  If you could take the time to give a brief explanation, I would appreciate it.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: Very well. Solaa: My apologies. ::grins::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Evolution! It is the single most important concept when it comes to understanding anything about biology.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
CO: Don't mention it Captain. ::smiles::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
It is very much one of the crowning achievements of all cultures who have come across this - and all cultures have, because evolution is PERVASIVE throughout the universe - it is a fundamental law of the universe.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
::winks at Solaa::

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::crosses her legs and smiles::

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
::nods.:

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Quite simply, evolution is Descent with Modification - it is the ability by which species can adapt to environmental stimuli over a vast period of time. BUT... it's not a progress, it's not something that that species chooses to do - natural selection is entirely a constant process that works both beneficially and consequentially.

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: I understand.  Thank you for the explanation. ::Waits patiently to see if the professor has anything more to add.::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Natural Selection itself works on only two cases - in cases where there is an effect on viability, and ::glances at T'Lin:: Sexual Selection.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
ONLY those two - everything else falls under - Good morning, Ensign! - those two categories.

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: I understand.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Before we begin, I'd like to stress - Solaa: And you see that I will stress this every time - All: That evolution is NOT a progress - that there is no pinnacle of evolution - WE are not the pinnacle of evolution, nor will WE ever be, nor will there ever be such a thing.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: Any questions? ::smiles::

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: Not at this time.  Thank you.

ENS_Rich says:
CO: That is for sure!

ENS_Rich says:
CO: I believe we are merely planetary Ants.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Rich: Ah, you say that easily, but all to often in the past, species have... exerted their supposed superiority in very negative ways... towards their environment, their animals, also towards other Federation member states...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Which brings me to my first subject for this morning. ::smiles; and presses a button on his desk::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
ACTION: A picture of a group of grimacing Borg appear on the giant monitor behind him::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: looks around at the reactions ::

ENS_Rich says:
::sweats::

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
::shudders at the picture.::

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::lets out a small gasp:: Self: Just pictures...

ENS_Rich says:
::wonders what the Borg on monitor is up to::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Not to worry, it is merely a picture, they won't pop out and assimilate all of us... and then the country... Earth... the Alpha Quadrant... but never mind that. ::smiles:: Er... question, do the Borg evolve, do you think? In exactly the way I've described? Or a different form of evolution?

ENS_Rich says:
CO: no not in my opinion.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: A different form, I would say.

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: I believe the Borg evolve differently.  Evolution is a natural selection process, whereas the Borg assert their assimilation on a species making them part of the collective.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: It's mostly by choice on how they  "evolve."

ENS_Rich says:
ALL: but when they assimilate they must have NEW things to be able to evolve into.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Rich: Not really.

ENS_Rich says:
All: Because what they've absorbed is new to them./

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Well... do the Borg choose what species they assimilate, or do they just assimilate everything in their path? Once they assimilate a species, do they not take on those traits and allow them to propagate through the entire Borg collective? ::smiles, and waits for the debate to really get started::

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: I believe they assimilate only those that are a threat, unless they detect a new species.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: I've heard they only assimilate things "worthy" of their assimilation.

ENS_Rich says:
All: I believe everything, taking what they need discarding what they don't.

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CNS LtJgRyn Solaa:  Exactly.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: So, there *is* some sort of selection at play... albeit artificial selection instead of natural selection. They choose the species who are worthy... they avoid the species who are not. Interesting. ::smiles::

ENS_Rich says:
All: Like parasites?

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Rich: No... they really aren't dependent on other species to live.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Rich: They can operate with what they have now.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Rich: They just like to upgrade, per se.

ENS_Rich says:
Solaa:How did they get to this point then?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: The Borg are... extremely difficult to try to understand; we have no idea how this... collective ever came into being. What was the first species, what were they like? Does that species still exist, today, somewhere?

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
All: I believe they are here somewhere and that we have not seen the last of them.

ENS_Rich says:
::thinks 20th century Plastic surgeons may have played a part::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Perhaps it could be said that the original species that created the Borg... have evolved into what we see today... ::smiles:: Oh - which reminds me.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
The term species... is so meaningless in this day and age, don't you think?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Traditionally... species were classified by whether or not they could mate with other members of their genus.

ENS_Rich says:
CO:Just Homo Sapiens attempt to Classify the universe around us.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
On Earth, for example, various equine species can mate - but they produce sterile offspring, thus preventing that new line from ever developing.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Rich: Oh, I assure you, all species have gone through such a period. ::smiles:: But in this day and age... technology has gotten to the point where Klingons can mate with Bajorans, humans can mate with Vulcans... the term species has really been blurred, no? ::smiles:: Think about that.

ENS_Rich says:
CO:Natural selection at work.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Any questions before I move on?

ENS_Rich says:
CO:definitely.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Rich: Well, speak up. ::smiles::

ENS_Rich says:
CO; No questions Sir.

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: No questions.  And I do agree that the term species is overrated.  I am after all half-human, half-Vulcan.  ::smiles::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: bows his head slightly to T'Lin :: T'Lin: Indeed. Now... ::he presses the same button on his desk...::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: glances as Ensign Rich seems to have been replaced by... Pecic??::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Er... uh... ::looks up again::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
ACTION: A picture of a smiling Cardassian shows up on the screen.

CNS_Pecic says:
CO:Should class be attended by character?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Pecic: Well, I should hope *all* my students have a bit of character. ::laughs::

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::smiles::

CNS_Pecic says:
::smiles happily::

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
::Looks at the picture of the Cardassian, and wonders where this is going.::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: The Cardassians... enemies of the Federation for many years. They are a bloodthirsty race, bent on order and control by the state.

CNS_Pecic says:
::sounds like childhood::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: ... Characterized by very distinct facial ridges, and prominent bone structures along the neck. Comments? Ideas?

CNS_Pecic says:
ALL:Personally I like the Cardassians.

CNS_Pecic says:
CO:A no nonsense people who do what they say.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Pecic: Or do what they say and then take it back.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
::looks around:: All: Okay... well, then let me ask you this question. What do you suppose is the purpose of these bone structures here? The mottling of the skin... the facial ridges?

CNS_Pecic says:
Solaa:Possibly.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: Their environment.

CNS_Pecic says:
CO; genetic development.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: Cardassia Prime is extremely harsh, and more so today.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
::laughs:: Solaa:: Yes, the environment... indeed, natural selection is forced to occur due to the presence of environmental stimuli.

CNS_Pecic says:
CO: ie their "Evolution"

CNS_Pecic says:
Anyone:Never been to Cardassia what is environment like?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: leans closer :: Pecic: Yes, but what is the reason for such an evolutionary change? Remember, it must serve a purpose - viability, or sexual selection.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: Lieutenant, have you any ideas?

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: I am not sure.

CNS_Pecic says:
CO: I believe mainly sexual. Much like birds on earth.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Pecic: Oh?

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: I don't believe it does has anything to do with sexual selection, so obviously viability plays a role.

CNS_Pecic says:
All: But then again us Deltans place a high priority on sexuality.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Well, when I look at the neck ridges, for example, I think of... there is a species of snake on Earth, the ::choke choke:: ... King Cobra.

CNS_Pecic says:
CO:Then it's a form of Self defense?

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: Might it have something to do with establishing a sense of fear in others?

CNS_Pecic says:
CO:Self preservation.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Well, the King Cobra has very prominent extensions around its head - which serves a number of purposes. It stores poison sac... but mainly it is a warning. On many King Cobras, there are markings - things that resemble eyes, for example - but mainly to make the king cobra look larger than it really is.

CNS_Pecic says:
ALL:remember the biggest cobra gets the Mrs.

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
::laughs.::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: Yes, indeed, the large eyes of the King Cobra would very much so cause others to run in fear.

CNS_Pecic says:
CO: Or confuse it's enemy/pray.

CNS_Pecic says:
::itches his bald head::

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: So you're saying the ridges on the necks of the Cardassians are there to produce fear in others?  But how did they get there then?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: Well, let's say that in the beginning, a random mutation causes one individual to have a slightly enlarged neck. This can be a sign of health, or something attractive to a female.

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: I understand.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: Over time, as more and more matings include males and females with more prominent neck ridges, we can say that the adaptation has propagated through the entire population - sexual selection occurs EXTREMELY rapidly, mind you... and by this time, perhaps the dual purpose of the neck ridges come into play and they begin to be used in a predatory sense.

CNS_Pecic says:
CO:Natural selection desires health & vigor.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: I've always thought of Cardassia Prime as dry. Reptiles like dry, sunny places. That may explain their reptilian nature.

CNS_Pecic says:
Solaa: I agree.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Solaa: It may explain why the Cardassians became dominant on their planet. ::smiles::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
In the past century, the Cardassians have... tried to extend their dominance to neighboring systems. ::brings up a picture of a Bajoran family::

CNS_Pecic says:
::think we should plan a CNS field trip to Cardassia::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: We have all been made aware of the atrocities committed during the Occupation of Bajor. But let us go past that for now, and look at the Bajoran himself.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
There are two things of particular interest here - one are the nose ridges of the Bajorans, which help to reinforce the bridge of the nose.. and the second thing...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
... it's been commonly noted that Female Bajorans, unlike many other species, tend to be the MUCH more aggressive gender. How do you suppose that happened, when it didn't happen elsewhere?

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: They got tired of being pushed around?  ::laughed::

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: Maybe they needed it to survive? Compete with the males for food, etc.

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
::has also wondered why he was blue... well not really, just wants to hear the other explanation::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Khrex: Welcome, Commander. We were just talking about the Bajorans.

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
::nods his head::

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
CO: Thanks, Captain.

CNS_Pecic says:
CO:Believe it's much like the 20th century problem on earth. When the male of the species is absent from the raising of offspring  the Female of the species takes on the dominant role.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Traditionally, males and females have fallen into categories of hunter and gatherer. While the males departed to hunt for large game, females would stay at home, care for children, and prepare meals for the clan. This results in the males becoming more aggressive, bulkier; a greater amount of sexual dimorphism. Perhaps...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: the evolutionary history of Bajor was reversed. Pecic: I wouldn't call it a *problem*. :;laughs::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Turok: Ah, ensign! Welcome, you're just in time to catch the end of the seminar. ::smiles::

Ens_Turok says:
::Smiles sheepishly::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: smiles :: Any questions before we move on?

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: None.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: Yes.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Solaa: Please.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: So the Bajoran women were the hunters?

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: Or maybe, like Pecic said, they got that way due to the Cardassian Occupation?

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
Ryn: Whatever the case, they can hunt me down anytime...

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
ALL: Oops. Did I say that out loud?

CNS_Pecic says:
CO:Where the male Bajorans reduced by Cardassians"?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Solaa: And yet, in that short period of time, the Bajoran culture would have had to ignore thousands upon thousands of years of behavioural evolution.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: But I agree - there are many factors at play here. Perhaps the Occupation did force the Bajorans to switch gender roles.

CNS_Pecic says:
All: The stomach rules the brain. An old earth hunters motto.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Any more questions before I move onto the last subject?

CNS_Pecic says:
CO:Creatures will risk anything to not go hungry.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: smiles; he presses a button and the image disappears ::

CNS_Pecic says:
CO: No Sir.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Perhaps the biggest mystery of all...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
... in terms of evolutionary exobiology... is... :: he brings up a picture of a Founder::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: The Founders. Shapeshifters. Leaders of the Dominion... we know so little about them; they are extremely xenophobic, and they do not keep records the way we do. How did these shapeshifters EVER evolve?

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
Woo: An accident with toxic waste?

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
::shrugs his shoulders::

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
::shrugs shoulders.::

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::chuckles at the FCO's comment::

CNS_Pecic says:
CO:Believe there may have been Q like involvement.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
FCO: Now, now. ::smiles::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Pecic: Q? ::looks around:: What's a Q? Back to the Founders. ::smiles and winks::

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
CNS: Q? ::looks confused::

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
CNS: Is that like the birds and the B's?

Ens_Turok says:
Woo: On their homeworld they may have been prey and evolved as protection.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: There have been very few shapeshifting species ever seen in the galaxy...

CNS_Pecic says:
::grinning ear to ear::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Turok: Indeed, I think there may be no difference between our evolution and theirs. We do know of reptiles that can camouflage to blend in to their surroundings. It is possible that this is how the Founders began to evolve to their present state.

CNS_Pecic says:
CO: Very possible.

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
CO: Agreed.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: How is information stored in a liquid state? How do they communicate in such a state? Is that their natural state? I'm afraid we'll never know - I'm fairly certain the Founders will never tell us.

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
Woo: Makes more sense than toxic waste...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: smiles, and clears his throat :: I see by my chronometre that we are out of time...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
So...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
In conclusion, evolution can be an extremely powerful tool in explaining biology. As the human geneticist, Theodosius Dobzhansky remarked, "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution."

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
I hope that this lecture has clarified any misconceptions you may have had about evolution, and I hope you leave with new questions about the great variety and diversity that is our galaxy. Thank you. ::smiles::

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::applauds::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Please, help yourself to more refreshment.

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
::looks at his watch and realizes he has a seminar to give... NOW::

FCO_LtCmdr_Khrex says:
::runs out of the room::

Ens_Turok says:
::Applauding::

CNS_LtJgT`Lin says:
::claps her hands.::

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: Wonderful seminar, Captain!

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Are there any questions?