Have you ever wondered what extraterrestrials would be like if we ever encountered them? Would they have a body structure similar to humans, or would they be a completely different form of biology, perhaps with tentacles, wings, tails, and other features?
The Human Form: The Best Choice for Intelligent Life
First and foremost, we must establish a clear premise that what we refer to as extraterrestrials are only those life forms with high intelligence and civilization, not some microorganisms or lower-level animals or plants.
If we only consider the existence of life, the forms of extraterrestrial life could be extremely diverse, even beyond our imagination. However, if we want to assess the development of intelligence and civilization, the form of life cannot be arbitrary but must meet certain basic conditions.
For instance, intelligent life requires a relatively large brain capability to store and process vast amounts of information. Intelligent life also needs a certain level of flexibility and coordination to adapt to various environments and complex challenges.
Extraterrestrials refer to life forms with high intelligence and civilization. (Illustration: ZME).
Intelligent life also requires certain organs capable of operating tools and transmitting information, such as hands, eyes, and mouths. These conditions have been demonstrated on Earth, with humans being the most successful example.
The reason humans have become the dominant species on Earth is that we possess these advantages.
These advantages did not arise randomly but were formed over hundreds of millions of years of natural selection and evolution. In other words, on Earth, the human form has proven to be the best choice for intelligent life. So, could similar situations occur on other planets?
The human form has proven to be the best choice for intelligent life. (Illustration: ZME).
Convergent Evolution Allows for Humanoid Extraterrestrials
In fact, on Earth, not only humans have evolutionary advantages. For example, aquatic animals like dolphins, whales, and sharks possess streamlined body structures to adapt to movement in water. Land predators such as tigers, lions, and leopards have sharp teeth and claws for hunting. Flying animals like bats, birds, and insects have wings and feathers to soar through the air.
Although these species are distantly related on the evolutionary tree, they still exhibit similar shapes and characteristics, a phenomenon known as convergent evolution.
Convergent evolution means that in similar environments and pressures, different species will independently develop similar solutions to adapt to their survival needs. In other words, the human form is not the only intelligent life form on Earth; it is merely a more viable solution.
According to some astronomers, the universe has many super-Earths. (Illustration: Zhihu).
Because the laws of physics and chemistry in the universe are nearly consistent, it means that the basic components and functions of life on other planets must also be quite similar.
Moreover, according to observations and speculations from some astronomers, there are many Earth-like planets in the universe, referred to as “super-Earths.” These planets have sizes, masses, temperatures, atmospheres, humidity, and other conditions similar to Earth; in other words, they have environments and pressures akin to those on Earth.
Therefore, if life exists on these planets, it is very likely that they will also undergo convergent evolution, thus evolving into forms and characteristics nearly similar to those on Earth. In other words, if intelligent life exists on these planets, they may well evolve into humanoid forms similar to humans.
(Illustration: NPR).
The Human Psyche Makes Us More Accepting of Humanoid Extraterrestrials
Finally, we must address a more significant reason, which is the human psyche. Because, for us at the moment, extraterrestrials are not actual living beings existing in the universe but rather characters created in our imagination.
The characters we create in our imagination do not necessarily have to adhere to logic and scientific laws; moreover, they must resonate with our own psyche and emotions.
For example, in films or science fiction novels, extraterrestrials often serve as objects of conflict or cooperation with humans. If the extraterrestrials are too alien or frightening, the audience or readers may find it hard to empathize or accept them.
However, if the extraterrestrials are too cute or beautiful, the audience or readers may not feel fear or suspicion. Conversely, if the extraterrestrials are too mundane or boring, it will be difficult for the audience or readers to feel intrigued or curious.
Thus, in films or science fiction novels, extraterrestrials are often designed to have a certain degree of similarity and difference from humans. This not only makes the audience or readers feel close and familiar but also leaves them feeling amazed and curious. Therefore, the human form is the best choice that can balance these similarities and differences.
Image of an extraterrestrial in a science fiction film. (Illustration: NPR).
Additionally, the human form not only allows us to perceive extraterrestrials as intelligent, emotional, and unique but also makes us feel that extraterrestrials are very mysterious, possessing special abilities and diverse cultures.
Furthermore, the humanoid form enables us to easily assign various roles and plots to extraterrestrials, such as enemies, friends, lovers, leaders, etc., thereby increasing the tension and appeal of the story.
Thus, in films or science fiction novels, the fact that extraterrestrials often take on a humanoid form is largely due to our imagination.
