Exobiotic Life
Exobiotic Life refers to any organism originating beyond Earth’s biosphere, encompassing alien flora, fauna, fungi, and microorganisms found throughout the Orion Arm. The study of exobiotic life falls within the field of exobiology, with specialized branches such as xenobotany, xenozoology, and xenomicrobiology. The term is generally applied to living, non-sentient species and excludes extinct organisms, intelligent extraterrestrial life, and Scinfaxi remnants, which are studied under xenopaleontology, xenoanthropology, and Scinfaxian Studies respectively. Research into exobiotic life is central to medicine, hazard classification, ecology, and planetary colonization, as alien organisms can range from benign to extremely hazardous to human life.
Relationships With Humans
Human contact with exobiotic life can be routine in certain settlements, vehicles, and supply chains. Interactions span a spectrum: domestication and bioprocessing; neutral coexistence; nuisance fouling; and direct threats to public health or infrastructure. Risk is highly context-dependent, life stage, density, season, microclimate, and human activity often matter more than species identity. Common exposure routes include skin contact, ingestion, inhalation of spores or aerosols, envenomation, parasitism, and biofouling of air, water, and power systems. Colonies manage these risks through quarantine, import controls, habitat buffers, PPE standards, and decontamination protocols. The Orion Arm Exobiotic Hazard Scale below provides baseline public guidance and encounter advice.
| Hazard is determined by the likelihood, severity, and distribution of harmful effects from alien flora and fauna. Safe travel in exobiotic environments requires training, equipment, and experience. You control your risk by choosing when, where, and how you interact with local life. | ||||
| Hazard Level | Encounter Advice | Likelihood of Harm | Severity & Distribution | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 – Extreme | Interaction presents a near-certain risk of death or permanent injury. Avoid entirely; only trained specialists with full containment equipment should approach. | Harm is virtually certain whether the organism is provoked or not. | Effects are almost always fatal or permanently disabling. | |
| 4 – High | Interaction poses a high risk of serious harm. Only experienced handlers with protective equipment should engage. | Harm is likely without provocation; very likely if provoked. | Effects can be fatal or cause lasting injury. | |
| 3 – Considerable | Interaction carries a notable risk of injury. Maintain distance and use appropriate protective measures. | Harm is possible without provocation; likely if provoked. | Effects range from moderate to severe; dangerous traits expressed regularly but not always immediately lethal. | |
| 2 – Moderate | Interaction can be harmful under certain circumstances. Exercise caution; avoid provoking defensive or predatory behavior. | Harm is unlikely without provocation; possible if provoked. | Effects are usually minor but can be serious under certain conditions; harmful traits less frequently expressed. | |
| 1 – Low | Interaction is unlikely to cause harm. Basic caution advised; avoid unnecessary handling. | Harm is very unlikely even if provoked. | Effects are minor; harmful traits rare or weak. | |