-1 SECTION 3:
THE QUESTION OF PHYLUM
What then IS an Irken? Mammal? Lizard? Given the empirical evidence surrounding their physiology, I can deduce that although we have no true classification for such a creature, Irkens are more or less related to our insects.
What? I hear gasps. This isn't at all that strange. We are the product of millions of years of evolution that began with the higher primates. If another family of organisms followed a similar line of evolution, which is entirely possible, imagine the result. The Smithsonian Institute has on display a model of what intelligent life would probably look like if it had evolved from reptiles instead of mammals. Aside from the fact that it resembles closely reports of the "chupacabra", it is an eerie reminder of what could have been.
We were once primates, and share many features in common with our ancestors. Irkens, however, seem to have evolved from a specie of insect-like creature, and over time, as the higher brain functions became more advanced, and they began utilizing tools, lost their second set of legs, while the first set evolved into arms with digited hand possessive of thumbs, and the third set became legs, enabling Irkens to stand erect. Read up on the theories of human evolution if you are unfamiliar with the concepts, and this will become quite clear.
All available evidence (antennae, thin wiry bodies, large eyes, higher tolerance to environmental change), points to the conclusion that Irkens are indeed a type of advanced insectoid life form. Spacebugs! Suddenly those Tak+Dib fanfictions don't sound so appealing anymore, huh?
Note: I discuss evolution here in an objective manner, simply to compare the similarities between humans and our primate cousins as well as the similarities between Irkens and insects. Evolution is still a scientific theory, not a law, and Darwin's works are far from gospel truth. I have a very limited view on evolution myself, and take the side of those who believe that evolution does happen, just not as drastic as some would like to believe. To anyone who has been offended, to you I say: God DID create all things, but he allows them to change as needed in order to survive. There, science and religion CAN get along afterall.