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Echen F'don: Difference between revisions
→Physical Evolution
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The second corpus of material relates to the historical Fardon Empire as judged from archaeological finds in the Amos and adjacent Zelas systems. Situated in what has been for some time a galactic crossroads, owing to the systems' proximity to the Scutum Arm rift, these two systems boast hundreds of millenia of near continuous occupation of sentient species. Once studied for their relevance within the field of Iconian archaeology, they are also central to emerging picture of the relatively recent (in historical terms) Fardon Empire. | The second corpus of material relates to the historical Fardon Empire as judged from archaeological finds in the Amos and adjacent Zelas systems. Situated in what has been for some time a galactic crossroads, owing to the systems' proximity to the Scutum Arm rift, these two systems boast hundreds of millenia of near continuous occupation of sentient species. Once studied for their relevance within the field of Iconian archaeology, they are also central to emerging picture of the relatively recent (in historical terms) Fardon Empire. | ||
The material discovered is discussed extensively in the historical and cultural profile. Nevertheless, among the material recovered researchers found intact DNA samples dating from 4500 B.C. Terran time. Analysis of these samples substantially corraborates those of the USS LaSalle's mission. | The material discovered is discussed extensively in the historical and cultural profile. Nevertheless, among the material recovered researchers found intact DNA samples dating from approximately 4500 B.C. Terran time. Analysis of these samples substantially corraborates those of the USS LaSalle's mission. | ||
DNA evidence suggests that the An'oke are in fact a racial subtype of the original | DNA evidence suggests that the An'oke are in fact a racial subtype of the original but hypothetical 'Planet Fardon' sentient humanoid. Three distinct strains, the apparent product of a collapsed sub-speciation event, have cropped up in the archaeological record. | ||
According to historical documents dating from the Zelasian material, the three strains (mirrored as castes in the social system) consisted of the An'lak, An'oke, and An'gar. Though capable of interbreeding, each of these racial subtypes have distinct traits. While DNA analysis does not, in itself, permit reliable conclusions about skin pigmentation, in combination with other material recovered researchers have been able to identify the An'lak as the 'green skins,' An'oke as the 'orange skins,' and An'gar as the 'grey skins.' | According to historical documents dating from the Zelasian material, the three strains (mirrored as castes in the social system) consisted of the An'lak, An'oke, and An'gar. Though apparently eventually capable of interbreeding, each of these racial subtypes have distinct traits. While DNA analysis does not, in itself, permit reliable conclusions about skin pigmentation, in combination with other material recovered researchers have been able to identify the An'lak as the 'green skins,' An'oke as the 'orange skins,' and An'gar as the 'grey skins.' | ||
Whether or not these names developed with the sociological caste system or pre-dated it is unknown; nevertheless, the correlation is sufficient to use them interchangeably for purpose of this discussion. | Whether or not these names developed with the sociological caste system or pre-dated it is unknown; nevertheless, the correlation is sufficient to use them interchangeably for purpose of this discussion. | ||
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There is little question within the research community that the An'lak should be considered closest to the putative 'base form.' The An'lak were slight by humanoid standards with high reproductive rates though few other survival advantages vis-a-vis the other two. | There is little question within the research community that the An'lak should be considered closest to the putative 'base form.' The An'lak were slight by humanoid standards with high reproductive rates though few other survival advantages vis-a-vis the other two. | ||
The An'oke were a robust strain, with a larger build, heavier musclature, duplicate organs and denser bone structure. The An' | The An'oke were a robust strain, with a larger build, heavier musclature, duplicate organs and denser bone structure. The An'gar, conversely, were as fragile as the An'lak, but had low birth rates and with brain structures suggesting the presence of psionics. (1) | ||
Efforts to model the evolution of these three sub-species (and subsequent collapse of the sub-speciation event into racial subtyping) failed to produce an entirely satisfactory explanation of how these differences evolved naturally. Conditions would confer a survival advantage to the more robust strain necessarily also implied a susbtantial disadvantage to the grey-skins. (2,3) | Efforts to model the evolution of these three sub-species (and subsequent collapse of the sub-speciation event into racial subtyping) failed to produce an entirely satisfactory explanation of how these differences evolved naturally. Conditions would confer a survival advantage to the more robust strain necessarily also implied a susbtantial disadvantage to the grey-skins. (2,3) | ||
Two conflicting | Two conflicting hypotheses account for the available evidence; neither is conclusive. | ||
Dr. K. Ancelin (COU, USS Resolution) argues for a double-planet system with one planet of approximately 50% to 100% higher gravity than the other. The An'lak would have evolved on the lower gravity planet as base Fardon humanoids. Ancelin argues that the An'oke were originally genetically engineered (with subsequent evolution) on the higher gravity planet, a colony, while the grey-skins were genetically engineered for a spacefaring existence. (2) | Dr. K. Ancelin (COU, USS Resolution) argues for a double-planet system with one planet of approximately 50% to 100% higher gravity than the other. The An'lak would have evolved on the lower gravity planet as base Fardon humanoids. Ancelin argues that the An'oke were originally genetically engineered (with subsequent evolution) on the higher gravity planet, a colony, while the grey-skins were genetically engineered for a spacefaring existence. (2) | ||