Who are the xenomorphs? What appearance do they have? Who owns the idea of creating a story about these creatures? What are the varieties of strangers (xenomorph)? The answers to these and other questions can be found in our publication.
Image creation
The idea of a story about an alien monster xenomorph belongs to the authors of the script for the movie “Alien” - Ronald Schusett and Dan O'Bannon. Initially, the horror film was planned to be presented to the audience, entitled "Star Beast." However, the producers of the picture decided to refuse this option. The definition of “Alien” completely accidentally came from the pen of scriptwriters. It was this word that later became the name of the bloodthirsty alien creature and appeared in the title of a series of successful films.
Xenomorph - this term appeared after the release on the wide screens of the second film "Aliens" (1986). Later, the definition began to be often applied to space creatures in the cinema universe. In particular, these creatures were so called in the film “Alien vs. Predator”. Also, the term was found in the most numerous video games.
It is worth noting that xenomorph is an image that belongs to the famous artist Giger. It was he who worked on creating the appearance of the monster while still preparing for the filming of the first film. In addition, the artist is the author of the sketches on the basis of which the interior of spaceships and the appearance of the scenery in the popular franchise were developed.
Appearance
Xenomorph is a fantastic two-legged creature whose body possesses ideal biological qualities necessary for survival in the conditions of severe space. Being predators, such creatures have a wide arsenal of devices that bring death to any enemy. First of all, attention is attracted to their second jaw, which extends like a piston from the main toothy mouth. However, before biting the victim, the xenomorphs prefer to grab it with long clawed legs.
Another deadly part of the xenomorph's body is its powerful tail, divided into numerous segments. At its end contains a sharp tip that resembles a dagger or spear point. The tail often acts for a stranger not only with a piercing weapon, but also with a device that allows knocking down and disorienting the enemy.
Xenomorphs have an elongated skull shape, where there are no distinct facial features. The main part of the head is a huge mouth. The organs of vision and hearing of such creatures are not externally observed. However, according to the assumptions, xenomorphs are able to navigate in space thanks to the rudimentary sense organs. In the back, such creatures contain breathing tubes.
Xenomorph species
From the popular film universe, several varieties of xenomorphs are known:
- Drones are ordinary working individuals, whose main task is to preserve the well-being of relatives, arranging shelters and creating nests where offspring are raised. The presented species has a relatively small size, moves mainly on four legs and is considered the least dangerous.
- Soldiers are large and powerful upright creatures that fearlessly defend a colony. Outwardly, the structure of their bodies is practically no different from the bodies of drones. However, they pose a much greater danger to enemies.
- Runners are a four-legged xenomorph species that is formed as a result of the development of a parasitic embryo in the animal’s body. These creatures stand out for their dexterity, agility and speed of movement. The main task of the runners is reconnaissance and search for victims.
- Praetorians are defenders of the dominant female in the colony, on which the reproduction of offspring and the survival of the species as a whole depend. Such individuals are much larger than soldiers and stand out among other creatures by the presence of a characteristic growth on the head in the form of a crest.
- The Queen is the largest and most intellectually advanced individual in the colony. The dominant female prefers to remain deep in the shelter under the protection of other xenomorphs, reproducing offspring. She has the ability to control relatives, releasing special pheromones into the airspace.
Life cycle
Before degenerating into an adult, xenomorphs go through a complex parasitic development cycle. The eggs laid by the Queen are stored in a state of suspended animation until a suitable intermediate host is found. In this case, the cocoon opens, after which the so-called face grasp is attached to the body of the animal or person. This organism is a transitional link that ensures the entry of the xenomorph embryo into the victim's body.
Then comes the stage of embryonic development, which takes several days. During this period, the young individual adopts some of the genetic characteristics of the intermediate host.
The ripened xenomorphs are called "barnacles." The latter tear the shell of the carrier’s body, as a result of which he will certainly die. Such a creature leads a secretive lifestyle until it reaches the size of an adult.
Mention in the movies
Xenomorphs appear in the following pictures:
- “Alien” (1979).
- “Aliens” (1986).
- “Alien-3” (1992).
- Alien 4: Resurrection (1997).
- “Alien vs. Predator” (2004).
- “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” (2007).
- Prometheus (2012).
- “Alien: Testament” (2017).