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They have a dense genetic structure with triple- helix DNA and a powerful immune system. Their anatomy is unique in that they possess three legs and communicate exclusively through telepathy. Their species is composed of five different sexes who own separate sections of the fluidic space realm that they live in. Their technology, including starships and weaponA weapon is a tool used to kill, maim, destroy or perhaps simply disable, a person or animal and as a result, also to threaten and defend. Since the dawn of humanity the use of weapons has been codified resulting in both martial arts and strategic doctrins, is mainly biological.
Species 8472 possesses a biologically-engineered ship known as a bioshipA bioship is a type of spacecraft described in science fiction. Bioships differ from most spacecraft in that they are predominantly or totally composed of organic or biological components, rather than being constructed from metal or artificial materials.. This ship is capable of melting itself through various surfaces, like that of a Borg vessel or a starship. If the weapons of one bioship are linked with that of 6 or 7 others, the bioships have the capability of wiping out an entire planet.
Species 8472 were discovered by the Borg—who were unable to assimilate them—in the 2370 s. This was because the species had the capability of repelling anything in their bodies that was foreign to their cells. This invasionInvasion is a military action consisting of troops entering a foreign land (a nation or territory, or part of that), often resulting in the invading power occupying the area, whether briefly or for a long period. Euphemistically, an invasion is sometimes of their realm provoked a warFor other uses of War, see War (disambiguation). War is conflict, between relatively large groups of people, which involves physical force inflicted by the use of weapons. Other terms for war include armed conflict hostilities and police action''. See Lim, the first real threat the Borg faced in thousands of years, wiping out trillions of drones.
The 8472s were forced to retreat when the crew of the starship VoyagerThe USS Voyager ( NCC-74656) is an Intrepid class starship in the Star Trek fictional universe and was the primary setting of the television program Star Trek: Voyager''. Voyager was launched on stardate 48038. 5, in 2371, and is owned and used by Starfle armed warheadA warhead is an explosive device used in military conflicts, used to destroy enemy vehicles or buildings. Typically, a warhead is delivered by a missile, rocket, or torpedo. It consists of the explosive material, and a detonator. The types of warhead are:s with modified nanoprobes, capable of killing the 8472s.
When they retreated back to fluidic space, one member was left behind, and was relentlessly hunted by a group of Hirogen for several months.
Concerned about the threat posed by humanity, the 8472s built a space station in normal space and recreated Starfleet Academy within, as a training ground for potential infiltration. The plan was uncovered and stopped by the crew of Voyager who convinced the 8472s that Federation has no quarrel with them.
Some fans have speculated that Species 8472 were the creators of the alien parasites featured in the episode, Conspiracy. This unproven theory would explain how the 8472s obtained sufficient intelligence on humanity to recreate Starfleet Academy.
Star Trek races