A species or race was any class of lifeform that had common attributes and were designated by a common name.
Observations
According to Data, "in the game of military brinksmanship, individual physical prowess is less important than the perception of a species as a whole." However, according to Worf, if "no one is willing to test that perception in combat [..] then the reputation means nothing." (TNG: "Peak Performance")
Data also "observed that in most species, there is a primal instinct to perpetuate themselves." (TNG: "The Offspring")
Classifications
Corporeal
Corporeal lifeforms have a physical body, usually composed of carbon-- or silicon-based cellular structures. Most corporeal species metabolize energy by consuming food or by photosynthesis, and have a finite life cycle consisting of distinct periods of growth, maturity, and senescence. Intelligent corporeal species frequently enhance their capabilities with technology.
By location
- Alpha and Beta Quadrant species
- Gamma Quadrant species
- Delta Quadrant species
- Extra-galactic species
- Spaceborne species
By evolution
- It should be noted that there are also interspecific species.
By association
Noncorporeal
Non-corporeal species were composed of various forms of coherent gas or energy. Most noncorporeal species absorb and utilize energy directly from their environment. Generally, noncorporeal species do not utilize technology, compensating with intrinsic physiological capabilities. Some noncorporeal species have evolved beyond the need for sustenance, and wield substantial control over space and time.
Artificial
Artificial lifeforms were usually created by another species, and can be sentient by design or have attained sentience spontaneously. There are two general types of artificial life: The first is a machine constructed from mechanical components. The second is a software program, which is reliant on a suitable computer in which to exist. These programs may manifest themselves physically in the form of holograms, which sometimes developed self-awareness.
Trans-dimensional
Trans-dimensional beings were lifeforms originating from a reality outside the normal space-time continuum. They can take a variety of forms which may or may not be comparable to those in this universe, depending on the nature of their native realm. Some trans-dimensional species are unable to survive in this universe without assistance.
| Trans-dimensional species | |
|---|---|
| Consciousness parasite • Dark matter lifeform • Edo God • JahSepp • Nacene • Nucleogenic lifeform • Solanogen-based lifeform • Species 8472 • Sphere-Builder • Q • Wisp | |