Why Aliens in Fiction Look Human: A Closer Look at Body Shapes and Evolution

Have you ever pondered why most fictional aliens in literature and films resemble humans? From Star Trek to Star Wars, the vast majority of alien species we encounter in science fiction have a human-like appearance. Is there a reason for this? Let's delve into the fascinating world of evolutionary biology and explore why aliens in fiction often look human.

The Evolution of Quadrupeds

Evolutionary biology has shown us that quadrupeds, or creatures with four legs, often have an adaptive advantage. Quads can run faster and typically outcompete most other mammals. However, the evolution of bipedalism, or walking on hind legs, has its own unique advantages.

Getting onto the hind legs allows for gathering food higher up, such as in trees, which can provide a better source of nutrition. This shift also led to the development of opposable thumbs, which are crucial for manipulation and dexterity. This increased dexterity is a significant factor in human-like intelligence and the ability to create complex tools. Additionally, the extended, flexible neck and binocular vision provided by two eyes working in coordination enhance the perception of potential threats.

The Prevalence of Human-like Aliens in Fiction

According to reputable sources, over 50 alien species have been cataloged, with approximately 40 having human-like body shapes. Why is this the case?

Relatability: Human-like aliens facilitate readers and viewers to relate to them more easily. It's easier to empathize with a character that has familiar physical attributes, prompting a deeper emotional connection. Convenience in Storytelling: Human-like aliens are simpler to write and read about. It minimizes the need for unfamiliar terminology and physical descriptions, enhancing the narrative flow.

Challenges in Creating Non-Humanoid Aliens

While there is a vast diversity of alien body types in books, live-action films, and animations face specific challenges in portraying non-humanoid aliens:

Limited Acting Talent: Finding non-humanoid actors is difficult and expensive, thus creators often opt for humanoid alien designs. Cost of CGI: Creating realistic animations for creatures without a real-world analog can be extremely expensive and time-consuming.

Familiarity and Diversity in Fiction

Familiarity plays a significant role in story creation. Humans are more likely to connect with characters that resemble them. When aliens are human-like, it allows for a wider range of human emotions and human-centric tropes, such as the hero, to be easily represented.

However, there are exceptions. Non-humanoid aliens are often portrayed as villains, such as blobs, one-eyed creatures, and mechanoids, which lack human emotions. These creatures are often used to symbolize the foreign and mysterious, creating conflict and intrigue in the plot.

Examples in Popular Culture

It's worth noting that even in the rare instances where aliens are not human-like, the design process can still be challenging. Take, for example, an episode of Star Trek where aliens had half their face black and half white, leading to conflict due to cultural misunderstandings. Creating such unique looks requires careful planning and execution to ensure they are both believable and compelling.

Creators often opt for simpler designs, such as rubber or latex faces, to save time and resources. These choices may limit the diversity of alien designs that we see in popular media but serve practical purposes in the creative process.

Conclusion

While the majority of aliens in fiction look human, there is a rich diversity of alien body shapes in literature and animations. The design choices are influenced by relatability, convenience in storytelling, and practical considerations like cost and available talent.

Ultimately, the evolution of human-like aliens in fiction is a result of a careful balance between creative storytelling and practical limitations. As technology and our understanding of evolutionary biology continue to advance, we may one day see even more diverse and fascinating alien species.