© 1975-1979, 2008 Robert A. Freitas Jr. All Rights Reserved.

Robert A. Freitas Jr., Xenology: An Introduction to the Scientific Study of Extraterrestrial Life, Intelligence, and Civilization, First Edition, Xenology Research Institute, Sacramento, CA, 1979; http://www.xenology.info/Xeno.htm

11.3  Alien Locomotion

Mobility seems to be a central characteristic of all large animal lifeforms on Earth. It may be presumed that this function will be evolved elsewhere in our Galaxy in delightfully diverse ways.

There are three distinct media which may be used for locomotion in any planetary environment: Sea, land, and air. Life is believed to have arisen in the oceans, and is likely to have done so again on uncounted worlds among the stars. The first creatures that ever moved evolved in the seas, so it is appropriate that we begin with aquatic locomotion.

The intention here is merely to illustrate, not to exhaust, the possibilities.

Last updated on 6 December 2008