21

How does the Borg deal with non bipedal sentient lifeforms? Are there any who have been assimilated into the Borg Collective?

Improve this question
2
  • 4
    Species 8472 is not biped, but then again, assimilation failed for other reasons..
    – Izkata
    Dec 25, 2012 at 4:35
  • 2
    Not canon, but in William Shatner's novel The Return there is a Borg dog
    – sumbuddyx
    Apr 19, 2014 at 22:22

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
17

Other than the Species 8472 comment I made, I've found 2 candidates and one interesting note:

  • Species 259 were "omnicordial lifeforms" that the Borg assimilated automatic regeneration sequencers from. This species is from a transmaterial energy plane that the Borg called Galactic Cluster 3. Nothing else about their physiology seems to be known.
  • Species 5973 are "multispectrum particle lifeforms". No mention is made of them actually being assimilated. The Kazon were likewise known to the Borg as Species 329, however, the Kazon were deemed unworthy and not assimilated - so simply having a designation does not indicate the Borg would assimilate that species.

The Greech are this thing:

Greech parasite

In the Voyager novel Unworthy, they, along with the Neyser (humanoid), the Dulaph (sphere-shaped silicon-based species), the Irks (a bio-mimetic species), a moth-like species, and a noncorporeal species, created the Indign cooperative in an attempt to mimic the Borg, when the Borg considered them unworthy for assimilation.

So in the novels at least, it seems possible (although unlikely) for non-humanoids to be assimilated. However, given that the Borg Queen is humanoid, it could well be that the Borg idea of perfection includes humanoids. Their attempted assimilation of Species 8472 would then be explained as an attempt to gain knowledge of their biology in order to adapt it to the humanoid shape.

So, No, the Borg are not limited to bipeds if "omnicordial lifeforms" are not bipeds - and even if they are, it is unlikely they are limited since they did at least try to assimilate the 3-legged Species 8472

Improve this answer
2
  • I assume its 6 legged species 8472. But it is worth noting that species 8472 have the ability to morph into humanoid shape as noted in TNG Season 5, Episode 4 "In the Flesh"
    – Richard Vivian
    Dec 25, 2012 at 7:56
  • @ Richard Vivian, You mean Voyager not TNG!
    – The Byzantine
    Dec 25, 2012 at 23:53
5

Assimilation will require fitting into the Borg structure. I.e able to use regeneration alcoves etc, the assimilation process of non-bipedal life forms could just use the head and torso of the the individual assimilated and replace a quadrupedal or hexapedal limb system with a mechanical bi-pedal limb system. As is the case with the Borg Queen. Having not seen her original form, she may not have been a biped.

Improve this answer
3
  • If (the natural form of) a species contributed significantly toward the Borg's goal of perfection, I think they would be able to overlook the relatively minor inconvenience of adapting some of their technology to work for a non-bipedaled species. After all, I think it's safe to assume that e.g. the alcoves themselves have no intristic requirement that the regeneration cycle is performed standing upright. That said, surely not needing to adapt their technology would hardly be a downside.
    – user
    Dec 25, 2012 at 14:09
  • @MichaelKjörling It's such a waste of time, standing up and sitting down.. ;)
    – Izkata
    Dec 25, 2012 at 23:05
  • 1
    An old answer, but it's worth noting in Q Who? that Data observes each regeneration alcove is adapted to a specific individual. So, at least that particular Borg structure has some evidence that it would be uniquely built to allow for non-humanoid use if necessary.
    – Ellesedil
    Feb 17, 2016 at 18:24

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.