In Character Conference Science Seminar  – Evolutionary Exobiology – 10406.26  1800 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:
:: he turns around; while trying to lug about some holoemitters; he sees a familiar face:: T'Lin: Ah, counselor, good afternoon.

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: Good afternoon, Captain.  Just thought I'd pop in to see if there is anything else interesting in the lecture.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: Ah, today, I have some excellent treats. ::smiles::

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: You mean better than this morning?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: I try to discuss many different species in all my seminars, so no two are the same. ::winks::

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: Well that is good.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: I do hope more people show up. It was quite a bit of effort lugging these holoemitters in here.

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: I hope so too.  And what do you know.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Turok: Ah, ensign, welcome, welcome.

Ens_Turok says:
Woo: Thank you sir.  ::taking a seat in the front row::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: looks around the room :: My my, really quiet turnout today. ::sighs::

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: Well maybe we'll have some late pop-ins like this morning.  ::Smiles::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Well, since you two have been to my earlier sessions, I suppose I need not go over the concepts of evolution, hmm? :;grins:: So we can just carry off from where we ended?

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::smiles:: Yes!

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: Absolutely.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Well, carrying off from where we ended last time... I would like to take you all on a field trip. ::grins, and points to the holoemitters::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
ACTION: He presses a button, and the lab around him disappears, to be replaced by a primitive scene... they are at the base of Mt. Seleya.

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
::walks in to find himself on Vulcan::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: I have taken you some distance away; we are now on Vulcan, where we will take a closer look at this Founding Member...

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
::moves his antenna's in the direction of the speaker::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
There are several interesting things about the Vulcans, aren't there? One, is there unique ability for touch telepathy amongst each other. Another, of course, are their distinctive pointy ears. But a third, even more interesting phenomenon, is this development of what's known as Pon Farr.

Ens_Turok says:
::Looking quietly at his birth planet::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: looks around, hoping that he won't offend anyone ::

Ens_Turok says:
::Smiling and thinking if the captain really understands it::

CNS_T`Lin says:
::Hopes he will not get into her most recent Pon Farr episode.::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Let us begin with this touch telepathy first. It has been used for many practical purposes, therapeutic purposes, the most general being a mind meld, a sharing of thoughts, as it were. If you were around for the discussion on the Betazoids, then you will remember that we attempted to discuss how a species could develop telepathy *and* vocal speech.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Would anyone like to expand on that, from the Vulcan perspective? Perhaps the Vulcans in attendance?

EO_Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
:: leans over to speak to Solaa:: Solaa: What a kook... typical mad scientist...

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::whispers:: Illianor: Oh, no! He's fascinating!

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: There is evidence that this telepathic ability of the Vulcans is not, in fact, a trait that's arisen over a very long period of time; in fact, there's suggestions that it was a very unique, extremely rare and sudden mutation that afflicted a small proportion of the population.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::whispers:: Illianor: I've been to two of his seminar's already. It's by far, my  favorite...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: For a very long period of time, this ability to initiate mind melds through touch was, in fact, highly feared, even by the Vulcans, and even led to discriminatory behaviour. Now, most Vulcans are capable of this touch telepathy - and most Vulcans can even initiate non-contact telepathy with stronger telepaths, such as Betazoids.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:; giggles :: Actually, I would really like to discuss this concept of Pon Farr right now. This is a wholly unique phenomenon to Federation member states. I mean, every seven years, the Vulcan race experience a... a drive to mate! But consider the consequences if this behavioural adaptation never came about...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: looks off in the distance :: Oh! Look! There are two Vulcan males right now, in ritual combat!

CNS_T`Lin says:
::sinks a little in her chair.  She was always taught that  Pon Farr was an intimate moment not discusses in public.::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: I mean, to the Vulcans, this is an intensely private thing... if this behaviour never developed, the Vulcan race would probably have ceased to exist.

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
ALL: Adaptation to survive?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Self: Tough crowd... ::chuckles to himself:: Are there any questions? Remember, this is a seminar, so audience participation is highly encouraged. ::smiles::

Ens_Turok says:
Woo: Or would we just have adapted a different method of reproduction?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Lingn: Yes, very much so, pon farr can only be described as an adaptation that ensures the survival of the Vulcan race.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: looks to the side and sees Lt. Sparks enter the room; he waves briefly to her, smiling::

Lt_Sparks says:
::sees her Captain and smiles before taking her seat::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Turok: Now, I will tell you, probably the biggest mystery in evolutionary science, is, how did the current... well, method of reproduction ever evolve? From self-cloning, to two-parent conception? No one has any idea how this ever came about.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: smiles :: Turok: But for that, you will need to take an advanced course in evolutionary studies. Any other questions on the Vulcans before I take you to the next locale? ::smiles::

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::raises hand::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Solaa: Yes, lieutenant. ::smiles::

Lt_Sparks says:
::frowns::Self: Darn, I missed the Vulcan stuff.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: So if they DIDN'T have Pon Farr... what would happen?

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: And you did not talk about the Pointy Ears bit.  I would be interested to hear your theory on that as well.  ::smiles::

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
ALL: They would kill each other before they could produce. Pon Farr is a by product of controlling your emotions.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Solaa: Well... and I apologize to the Vulcan audience members. ::winks:: But the Vulcans are an extremely conservative species - to them, Pon Farr is something that simply must be endured... if they did not have pon farr, well... the species would prefer not to reproduce, so you would see an IMMENSE population decrease very rapidly.

Ens_Turok says:
Woo: Not to embarrass my fellow Vulcans, but we do have the desire to mate which is usually suppressed, it is just that we MUST mate every seven years.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Lingn: Mm.. that makes sense...

CNS_T`Lin says:
Turok: Agreed.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Turok: And you choose to suppress this desire to mate, yes? But I am glad that you have chosen to be open on this matter. But if you did NOT HAVE to mate every seven years, would you not simply continue to suppress this desire?

Lt_Sparks says:
::looks at Turok and thinks::Self: Every seven years? Talk about pent up frustrations. Sheesh!

Ens_Turok says:
Woo: You have a good case study in myself captain as I wasn't raised as a traditional vulcan so I TRY to mate more than once every seven years. ::Smiling::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Turok: I... I see.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Turok: Thank you... for sharing. ::laughs::

Lt_Sparks says:
::giggles at Turok's comment::

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::laughs:: Turok: Ah, the Ferengi got to him... trying to steal our money... tsk tsk... ::mock disapproval::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: And thank *you* for bringing up the so-called "pointed ears" of the Vulcans... this is particularly intriguing. What purpose could such ears be for?

Ens_Turok says:
Woo: However I do believe you would see a downturn until they logically figured out that they were doomed to extinction and they would alter that part of the culture.

Ens_Turok says:
::Smiling at Ryn::

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: My guess is for hearing.  We can hear things a lot better than the average species.

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
Woo: I just believe they pinched their ears till it got that way, personally.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
Woo: Maybe their ears are pointy so they can hear over all the sand and grit of Vulcan.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: I see that there must be a combination of multiple factors at work here. One, we know that the Vulcans have superior hearing - and, superior everything else, it seems. ::smiles:: But is hearing enough? The pointed ears do not form the shape of a cone for amplification, for example. I suspect, then, there was a time when it was...

Lt_Sparks says:
Self: The Vulcans must just have great plastic surgeons.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: ... sexually selected for.

Ens_Turok says:
Woo: Too help pick a superior mate?

Lt_Sparks says:
Woo: Can you expound on that Captain?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Remember, there are two great driving forces for natural selection - Viability, and sexual selection.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Sparks: Well, suppose that archaic female Vulcans were in a position to choose a mate, and for some reason they find pointed ears to be a sign of good health, or strength - or some other factor. That person with the pointier ears would be preferred over those who do not have such traits.

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::whispers:: Illianor: I think that its just so the sand doesn't get in them, but okay... ::smiles::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Sparks: As well, in ancient societies and in modern ones as well, you see a LOT of copy-cat behaviour, where younger females watch what older females do and look for, and they learn in that way.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Sparks: Over time, the entire female population would be trained to instinctively look for pointed ears in a mate, and over a great length of time, the entire population will have more pointed ears than normal.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: laughs :: Now, any other questions on the Vulcans?

Lt_Sparks says:
::wonders why her Captain is talking about Vulcan and sex, considering he's not Vulcan and is single::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: looks around the room ::

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
::Remains silent::

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: Actually I disagree with the copy-cat behavior.

Lt_Sparks says:
:;watches the others and listens::

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: I believe that we live in a time where we all want to be unique, and that we want what is best for us; not what is best for someone else.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
CNS: It has been well-documented in many primitive, pre-sentient species, but I would love to hear your thoughts.

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: Being only half-Vulcan, the other half human, I do believe I possess a uniqueness.  For instance.  My physical characteristics are those of Vulcan's but I have always found it hard to suppress emotions, thereby my human side predominantly being displayed.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: Well, I will not argue with you on that individualism there... but at a time when species are running on instinct alone... the only thing that individuals want is to ensure that their genes are passed on - that is the sole purpose of most pre-sentient species. In such a case, what everyone wants is the healthiest mate possible... :;smiles::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: But I agree... we don't see that today... for the most part. ::smiles::

Lt_Sparks says:
:;checks her chronometer:: Aloud: Oops! Sorry all, but I plum forgot I left the Huron's engines running and boy will the Captain be upset if they overheat......::grins at the crowd and hurries out::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: frowns, as he watches Sparks run back to the dock :: Self: My engines better be alright...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Well! Let's move on to the next location. ::laughs::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: he presses a button, and the scene fades away, to be replaced by a dark, damp cave::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Watch your heads!

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
::whispers:: All: We are now on Janus V... and if you look in the distance...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
ACTION: A large... THING creeps closer towards them... A Horta...

CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::jumps not ever seen a Horta before::

CNS_T`Lin says:
::not sure where Janus V is or what a Horta is.::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Now, the Horta are one of the most unique organisms ever in the Alpha Quadrant... instead of being Carbon-based, the Horta is Silicon-Based...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: They live a very interesting lifestyle... they use a very corrosive acid to burn through and make paths in rock... but what is most interesting is their behaviour every 50,000 years...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Every 50,000 years, all the Horta die, except for one Mother Horta, who cares for all the eggs, for the next generation...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: But, first, let us discuss the Silicon-based nature of the Horta.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: In terms of chemistry, a silicon-based life form is not all that unexpected. In many ways, Silicon is very much like Carbon. The only difference is that it does not form as strong chemical bonds as carbon, which is why we in general do not see many successful silicon-based lifeforms.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Unfortunate, there is simply far too little that is known about the Horta to make any hypotheses about their evolution...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: ... but they are interesting nevertheless, and I wished to merely show you this species, which has generally remained unknown to most people. Any questions before we move on?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: smiles, and presses another button; they reappear on a shuttle, in the middle of the Bajoran Wormhole::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: smiles :: All: We're now inside the Bajoran Wormhole. Does anyone know anything about the inhabitants of this anomaly?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: sits back against his chair, waiting for answers::

Ens_Turok says:
Woo: I believe they are non-corporeal.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Turok: That is true... they are non-corporeal. They are known to the Bajorans as the Prophets... as far as we know, they do not exist in the same space-time continuum as we do.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Turok: And that is surprising, isn't it? How did this species evolve? Did they always exist like this, or were they once carbon-based, like we are? Perhaps they are simply so technologically advanced that non-corporeality was the next step?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Any thoughts?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: No one has any thoughts on the Prophets? :: laughs ::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Well.... in this galaxy, Starfleet is aware of a certain... number of immensely advanced species... but they do not approach us, and we certainly do not approach them.

Ens_Turok says:
Woo: Has anyone ever seen them in their natural state?

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: I am not sure if this is correct, but I believe they were once like us, and perhaps rose to a higher form of being?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: The Prophets are one such species. I personally do believe that at one point in time, our time, the Prophets were corporeal... Turok: That depends entirely on what their natural state is - there have been individuals who have been particularly close to the Prophets, such as the Kai of Bajor, and the Emissary to the Prophets.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
CNS: That does seem like a very likely possibility... after all, if any one of us time travelled back to, say, to 1900 BC Babylon, we would appear to be Gods to them, wouldn't we?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
CNS: Perhaps they are simply much more advanced, but had an opportunity to become a higher form, shedding their corporeality...

CNS_T`Lin says:
::nods::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Are there any questions, at this time?

CNS_T`Lin says:
::shakes her head.::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
Mmm... now, the last species I wished to discuss... is something of an evolutionary conundrum. ::he presses a button, and a stationary, solitary figure of a Vorta appear in front of them::

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Now, the Vorta are commonly known as the Administrators of the Dominion... they were once a nomadic population of minor primates, but their evolution has been inextricably manipulated by the Founders.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
As you can see, they have large ears; they are reputed to have excellent hearing, but very poor eyesight, and almost no tastebuds. They are, quite simply, a *created* race...

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: ... A species that was taken in early sentience, and manipulated into what they are today by the Dominion.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Now... my question to you is this. Have the Vorta evolved?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: Or have they simply been manipulated?

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: I believe the answer is yes, but not by their own natural selection.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
T'Lin: Please, elaborate. ::smiles::

Ens_Turok says:
Woo: I would yes they have but not naturally.

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: I believe they have evolved but at the influence of the Dominion.  They have no choice to be who they are.  They simply exist to be who they are and accept it.

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: In a sense they are slaves.

Ens_Turok says:
Woo: They have been taken out of there natural environment and forced to evolve to the likings of the dominion.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: And yet, can we still say that evolution has really happened? Or perhaps our definition of evolution is too narrow for our purposes...

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: Well evolution means to evolve, does it not?  They are evolving.  Just not the way their race would naturally evolve.

Ens_Turok says:
Woo:Manipulated evolution?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
All: And on a similar note, I will mention the Jem'Hadar - now, THIS species we know for certain have been entirely designed from scratch by the Dominion... have *they* evolved? From what? Or are they simply organic machines that have been programmed?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: looks around the room ::

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
CO: Programming.

CNS_T`Lin says:
CO: Well, in my opinion, I still believe they have evolved.

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
CTO: And yet, in behaviour, they are not unlike some other species, like the Klingons... can we really regard the Jem'Hadar as a unique species... or simply biomatter put together, with no history, no evolution?

Host CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: smiles :: I will end the seminar on that question, and will allow you to think about that. :;smiles:: Any questions?