Betazoid

The Betazoids were a telepathic humanoid race from the Alpha Quadrant. They originate from the planet Betazed and are members of the Federation.

History

Betazoids have had a mostly untroubled history. Since their accession to the Federation they have participated eagerly in diplomatic pursuits as mediators and ambassadors. The Dominion occupation of 2374 was a cataclysmic event for the Betazoid society.

Physiology

Betazoids are externally identical to Humans, with the sole exception of completely black irises. They are able to cross-breed humans and other humanoid races.

The distinguishing feature of Betazoids is their telepathic ability. The Betazoids have developed a region of the brain called paracortex, which mediates the telepathic abilities with a neurotransmitter called psilosynine. Betazoid telepathic abilities generally manifest in puberty and are subject to the individual's conscious control, except in rare instances of Betazoids born with the abilities active. These unfortunate individuals, who are unable to turn off their telepathic sense, require lifetime counseling and support to survive constant telepathic contact with countless other sentient beings.

Betazoids are able to communicate telepathically with each other and other races possessing telepathic abilities. In certain instances, very close individuals of mainly non-telepathic races, such as a human imzadi, can partake in limited telepathic communication with Betazoids. Contrarily, certain races such as the Ferengi and Breen have brain structures which make them impervious to Betazoid telepathy.

Links

Betazoid article on Memory Alpha Imzadi explained on Memory Alpha