Excerpt from Reproductive Physiology of Sapient League Races

By Dr. Miri Goldstein

Published in Thessia Biological Quarterly

All times use League Sol Time (translated for League Circulation)

Editors Note: It should be noted that the author of this piece is a proponent of the Hybrid Genetic Theory, as postulated by Matriarch Gellasi in CE 345. While there are multiple peer reviewed articles supporting this theory, it should be noted that an equal number refute it, and research is rather inconclusive. The editors of Thessia Biological Quarterly do not condone or condemn the Hybrid Genetic Theory, but in the interest of scientific integrity believe in a full disclosure of the authors Bias. Dr. Goldstein as a renowned physician who as operated on countless asari and other species, and is considered an expert in her field. We respect her position, and believe that she has put it forth with the utmost of scientific honesty.

Quarians

Natural quarian gestation period is 32 weeks. Quarian fertility is among the highest of any placental species in known space, influenced primarily by adequate nutrition and space. Quarians have the ability to "absorb" a fetus, self-aborting if the pregnancy becomes complicated or if adequate nutrition is not available or the mother is stressed by cramped living conditions. Male quarians are able to mate at any time, though their fertility is also affected by nutrition more so than most races.

With the advent of permanent quarian homes, the quarian population has exploded, with the average fertile quarian female capable of having children from approximately the age of 16-72. Average fertility is around three per breeding adult (including males), with that number steadily rising as quarian families continue to grow. Quarians mate for life, and psychologically and physically bond with their partners. Most quarians are incapable of choosing a new partner if they should separate from the old for any reason, and those that may choose a new mate typically take at least a full year before they are willing to bond again, though therapy can reduce this time. Note that bonding only takes place with full sexual intercourse, and that foreplay does not result in bonding.

With Asari

Mating with a quarian is a delicate proposition, and has always been so, male or female. While their genetic material is ripe for asari mating and contains positive traits such as increased night vision, faster reflexes and higher than average intellectual aptitudes, the quarian partner is often delicate. Precautions must be taken not to expose to quarian to any bodily fluids, and exposure to the asari partner should begin weeks before sexual contact is initiated for maximum safety. The asari partner is in no danger from quarian fluids (though some individuals experience a light rash the first few times exposure takes place), but care should be taken when ingesting quarian fluids.

Quarian erogenous zones include [...]

Krogan

Among the most prodigious of breeders in known space, krogan lay eggs in clutches of 40-50, and a single female can lay as many 20 clutches in a single year. With the Genophage cured, it is not unheard of for a single krogan female to produce as many as 1000 viable offspring, though this pace cannot be maintained due to the severe nutritional strains this places the female under. Typically, a female rears between 10-100 young in a single year. Krogan young grow quickly, hatching in only 27 weeks and reaching full maturity within 16 years.

Culturally, krogan are similar to salarians, with extensive negotiations for breeding pacts and genetic lineage being a matter of some concern. A female typically does not breed with the same male more than twice in a single year except in extreme circumstances. Krogan females have complete control over who they breed with, with males competing for breeding offers via achievements in various arenas. In the past, this was predominately how many foes the male had slain, though in recent years achievements in the arts, sciences, political arena and economic ventures have become more important. A prominent male may receive hundreds of breeding contracts in a year, though he is entitled to decline a contract if it is not deemed favorable.

With asari

It is unknown how long a krogan is capable of living, as there is no record of a krogan ever dying of natural causes. Death by mass accelerator round is the number one cause of death of the krogan, and has been so since they discovered them. Krogan based offspring are often aggressive, physically powerful and possess extreme stamina. Reports of krogan hybrids possessing regenerative properties are unsubstantiated, though it cannot be denied their recovery time from injuries is remarkably swift.

In the bedroom, krogan are known for the stamina as in all other areas, and [...]

Humans

As with as asari, humans are placental sapients who nurse their young. Natural human gestation is 39-42 weeks, with the young reaching sexual maturity in 10-14 years. As in asari, humans reach sexual maturity before their full growth finishes, and biologically a human has not finished full physical development until around the age of 20. Human males are constantly fertile, and human females are fertile approximately two days out of every 28 day period, though they are able to become sexually aroused at any time, even while already pregnant.

Human mating and bonding rituals vary by cultural background as with any species, though the norm is a single monogamous relationship for the duration. If a relationship is to be formalized, it is expected to last until both participates die, though human divorce rates are among the highest of any non-asari species.

With asari

Out of all known species, humans are most compatible with asari. No precautions not ordinarily taken to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases need be taken (almost all human or asari diseases can make the jump between species, and both partners should have a complete medical examination before initiating intercourse) . Human children are not yet old enough for defining characteristics to be observed, though initial observation indicates that human hybrids are more prone to curiosity, exploration, mischief making and finding non-lateral solutions to problems.

Since humans and asari are so compatible, coitus can be [...]