Evolution of the Gorn

Dingo · January 22 2013, 01:02 AM

I've been reading both the Typhon Pact and Cold Equations series of late and I've become interested in the Gorn as a species. Specifically their evolutionary ancestors.

Judging by the descriptions throughout the Trek-verse I'm certain they evolved from something akin to the Monitor Lizards of Earth. Of the extant lizards here on Earth monitors are intelligent carnivores that are quite versatile when it comes to survival. Given the Gorn Archosaurs are carnivorous, fairly intelligent, and possess sharp senses I'm certain an alien version of the varanid (scientific name of the family that includes monitor lizards) were the earliest ancestors of the Gorn.

jayrath · January 22 2013, 02:06 AM

It's a common misperception that dinosaurs were lizards. But lizards -- so far -- have never exhibited upright posture (some dinosaurs did). There are many other members of the reptile class to chose from, and of course that's just on Earth.

137th Gebirg · January 24 2013, 10:06 PM

If you like the Gorn, you should check out the old graphic novel The Gorn Crisis. It really tried to delve into Gorn culture in a way that I thought was quite well done.

T'Girl · January 25 2013, 02:20 AM

jayrath wrote:

But lizards -- so far -- have never exhibited upright posture

sbk1234 · January 25 2013, 02:32 AM

I may be wrong, and please, if someone knows more, please correct me. But, T'Girl, it is my understanding that no lizard is structured to remain in an upright position, the way some dinosaurs did. The picture you showed of this lizard upright would be akin to a dog standing on his hind legs. Sure, he can do it, but it's not what he was designed for.
Again, if I'm wrong, please let me know.

scotpens · January 25 2013, 03:40 AM

jayrath wrote:

It's a common misperception that dinosaurs were lizards.

You mean they weren't just overgrown iguanas?

sbk1234 wrote:

. . . it is my understanding that no lizard is structured to remain in an upright position, the way some dinosaurs did. The picture you showed of this lizard upright would be akin to a dog standing on his hind legs. Sure, he can do it, but it's not what he was designed for.

I think T'Girl was pulling your leg.

sbk1234 · January 25 2013, 06:00 AM

Uh, Yeah. I knew that! I was just going along with her. Yeah, really. I mean it. I was, actually. really.

King Daniel · January 25 2013, 01:35 PM

From all the talk of "the great egg bringer" or whatever it was in the novels, I imagine the Gorn fall into the "engineered by an ancient super race" category

USS Triumphant · February 7 2013, 04:22 PM

King Daniel wrote:

From all the talk of "the great egg bringer" or whatever it was in the novels, I imagine the Gorn fall into the "engineered by an ancient super race" category

Yes. And the way they seem to be broken up into 37 flavors (in other words, they have variations that almost make them seem like a multi-species "race") it makes me think that it might be the same ancient super race responsible for the Xindi. (That super race being Star Trek writers, of course.

)

January 22 2013, 01:02 AM	#1
Dingo Captain	Evolution of the Gorn I've been reading both the Typhon Pact and Cold Equations series of late and I've become interested in the Gorn as a species. Specifically their evolutionary ancestors. Judging by the descriptions throughout the Trek-verse I'm certain they evolved from something akin to the Monitor Lizards of Earth. Of the extant lizards here on Earth monitors are intelligent carnivores that are quite versatile when it comes to survival. Given the Gorn Archosaurs are carnivorous, fairly intelligent, and possess sharp senses I'm certain an alien version of the varanid (scientific name of the family that includes monitor lizards) were the earliest ancestors of the Gorn. __________________ Please Do Not Forget About Me/My Voyager Fanfic

January 22 2013, 02:06 AM	#2
jayrath Fleet Captain Location: West Hollywood, Calif., USA	Re: Evolution of the Gorn It's a common misperception that dinosaurs were lizards. But lizards -- so far -- have never exhibited upright posture (some dinosaurs did). There are many other members of the reptile class to chose from, and of course that's just on Earth.

January 24 2013, 10:06 PM	#3
137th Gebirg Rear Admiral Location: Who is John Galt?	Re: Evolution of the Gorn If you like the Gorn, you should check out the old graphic novel The Gorn Crisis. It really tried to delve into Gorn culture in a way that I thought was quite well done. __________________ Gebirgswick - Ind, Tra, Sec & Env.

January 25 2013, 02:32 AM	#5
sbk1234 Rear Admiral Location: Los Angeles	Re: Evolution of the Gorn I may be wrong, and please, if someone knows more, please correct me. But, T'Girl, it is my understanding that no lizard is structured to remain in an upright position, the way some dinosaurs did. The picture you showed of this lizard upright would be akin to a dog standing on his hind legs. Sure, he can do it, but it's not what he was designed for. Again, if I'm wrong, please let me know. __________________ In all the history of the world, a riot has NEVER broken out at a Sci-Fi convention. "It's a fucking TV show!" - Gary Lockwood

January 25 2013, 06:00 AM	#7
sbk1234 Rear Admiral Location: Los Angeles	Re: Evolution of the Gorn Uh, Yeah. I knew that! I was just going along with her. Yeah, really. I mean it. I was, actually. really. __________________ In all the history of the world, a riot has NEVER broken out at a Sci-Fi convention. "It's a fucking TV show!" - Gary Lockwood

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January 25 2013, 01:35 PM	#8
King Daniel Admiral Location: KingDaniel has fallen Into Darkness (in England)	Re: Evolution of the Gorn From all the talk of "the great egg bringer" or whatever it was in the novels, I imagine the Gorn fall into the "engineered by an ancient super race" category __________________ Star Trek Imponderables, fun video mashups of Trek's biggest continuity errors. Episode One Episode Two