Andorian/Gender and Reproduction: Difference between revisions

 

Andorians have 4 [[MA:gender|genders]], 2 of which resemble males and 2 of which resemble females. These are called ''Thaan'', ''Chan'', ''Shen'' and ''Zhen''. This can result in some confusion among outsiders. Sometimes it is difficult to tell what gender an Andorian is on sight. This is especially true as a ''chen'' can appear to be feminine and a ''shen'' can appear to be masculine.

A ''Shen'' has a retractable [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovipositor ovipositor] which they use to transfer the fetus from their uterus to the pouch of a ''Zhen''. They also have a vagina, ovaries and uterus. They recieve the sperm, produce the egg which then develops into a embryo and then transfer it to the ''Zhen'''s pouch once it has developed enough to make the transfer safely.

A ''Zhen'' has a vagina which is only useable for pleasure, not reproduction. They also have 4 teats on their lower abdomen and the ability to produce a pouch that is used to house the transfered embryo while it grows.

In order for Andorians to produce a child it takes 1 of each [[MA:gender|gender]]. They each have a specific role to play. This starts with the ''Thaan'' fertilizing the ''Shen'''s egg. Then the ''Chan'' has to fetilize it next. The reason for this is that the 2 males, the ''Thaan'' and the ''Chen'' each have 1/4 of the nessassary genetic material needed to create a child. The ''Shen'' has the other half with in her egg.  

Once the egg has developed into a fetus it has to be transfered to the ''Zhen''. This is because only the ''Zhen'' can nurse the young. When the ''Shen'' becomes pregnant special glands along the ''Zhen''<nowiki>'</nowiki>''s'' spine become active. They will secrete a membrane that forms a pouch around the lower torso. At this time the 4 teats on the ''Zhen''<nowiki>'</nowiki>''s'' lower abdomen will start to form milk. Unlike [[Human|Humans]] these do not result in rounded breasts. The inner lining of the pouch produces a thick gel that will protect the baby while it nurses until it is mature enough to survive outside of the pouch.  

Due to the fact that Andorian fertility periods have been slowly getting shorter they will try to concieve as many children as possible during this period and since fewer viable children have been born the Andorians have been forced to arrange bondings among genetically compatible members of their society. This has replaced allowing the young people to pick their bondmates.