This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Hadal (talk | contribs) at 15:54, 29 February 2004 (typos.. altough I'm not sure there was ever any evidence they could destroy a star or "melt into" ships.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 15:54, 29 February 2004 by Hadal (talk | contribs) (typos.. altough I'm not sure there was ever any evidence they could destroy a star or "melt into" ships.)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)In the fictional universe of Star Trek, "Species 8472" is the name (designated by the Borg) of an advanced alien life-form that lives in the realm of fluidic space.
Anatomy
They have a dense genetic structure with triple-helix DNA and a powerful immune system. Their anatomy is unique in that they possess three legs and communicate exclusively through telepathy. Their species is composed of five different sexes who own separate sections of the fluidic space realm that they live in. Their technology, including starships and weapons, is mainly biological.
Technology
Species 8472 owns a biologically-engineered ship known as the bioship. This ship is capable of melting itself through various surfaces, even that of a Borg vessel or that of a starship. If the weapons of one bioship are combined with that of about 6 or 7 others, the species has the capability of annihilating an entire star or planet.
History
Species 8472 were discovered by the Borg—who were unable to assimilate them—in the 2370s. This was because the species had the capability of repelling anything in their bodies that was foriegn to their cells. This invasion of their realm provoked a war, the first real threat the Borg faced in thousands of years, wiping out trillions of drones.
The 8472s were forced to retreat when the crew of the starship Voyager armed warheads with modified nanoprobes, capable of killing the 8472s.
When they retreated back to fluidic space, one member was left behind, and was relentlessly hunted by a group of Hirogen for several months.
Concerned about the threat posed by Humanity, the 8472s built a space station in normal space and recreated Starfleet Academy within, as a training ground for potential infiltration. The plan was uncovered and stopped by the crew of Voyager.