Biological
Humans in Babylon 5 are identical to humans of today, with one major difference: telepathic abilities appeared in humans around 2160 and exist in around 1 in 1,000 individuals. No verifiable telepaths were known before this time, and their sudden appearance may have been caused by interference at the genetic level by the Vorlons. About 1 in 10,000 human telepaths also have telekinetic abilities as well, though more than half of such individuals are also insane. No mention is made in the series of the frequency of occurrence or links to mental instability of telekinesis in other species, although it or a similar ability is demonstrated by the Vorlons ("Interludes and Examinations") and other First Ones. Prior to the Telepath War, all telepaths were required by law to be members of Psi Corps.
Throughout the series, humans are characterised by their adaptability, their willingness to form communities with other (i.e. alien) species, and their stubbornness in the face of opposition, even overwhelming odds. Although some other alien species, such as the Narn and Minbari, are physically stronger and tougher than humans, the ability of humans to adapt to diverse environments has given them an edge over many other species. For example, humans can survive in high-temperature climates that would kill a Minbari, and they can survive in cold-temperature environments that would kill a Drazi.
A link between human and Minbari souls is discovered early in the series which explains why the Minbari surrendered in the Earth-Minbari War.
In the final episode of Season Four, which takes place one million years in the future, humans have achieved First One status. (The Deconstruction of Falling Stars) Humans, now evolved into energy beings, have left Earth for the last time, and are capable of assuming physical form. Their appearance is most akin to the effect seen for the First One Lorien.
Read more about this topic: Human (Babylon 5)
Famous quotes containing the word biological:
“Man’s biological weakness is the condition of human culture.”
—Erich Fromm (1900–1980)
“Much of the ill-tempered railing against women that has characterized the popular writing of the last two years is a half-hearted attempt to find a way back to a more balanced relationship between our biological selves and the world we have built. So women are scolded both for being mothers and for not being mothers, for wanting to eat their cake and have it too, and for not wanting to eat their cake and have it too.”
—Margaret Mead (1901–1978)
“Biological possibility and desire are not the same as biological need. Women have childbearing equipment. For them to choose not to use the equipment is no more blocking what is instinctive than it is for a man who, muscles or no, chooses not to be a weightlifter.”
—Betty Rollin (b. 1936)