How do the aliens maintain their transformations, even after they die?

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So, in my story there is a species of aliens, called the Ko’dor. The Ko’dor are a species of shape-shifters, who can change their forms at will. Naturally, they are four-eyed, green octopus like creatures. But, they have the ability to morph and change to human, or any other species's, shape. But, to the Ko’dor, shape-shifting takes a lot of muscle bending and skin folding.



A Ko’dor spy has just entered your spaceship. The Ko’dor is unnoticed at first, but once he accidentally spills over a salt tin in his quarters, he dies. I can’t let my main characters know the spy is there yet, so the Ko’dor has to stay in his human form, even while dead.



Since muscles normally relax after death, why might Ko’dor biology allow them to stay in shapeshifted form, even while dead?






aliens xenobiology shapeshifters







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    Ko’dor biology works differently than Earth biology; one way this is manifested is that the default muscle state iscontraction.
    – RonJohn
    3 hours ago














up vote
2
down vote

favorite












So, in my story there is a species of aliens, called the Ko’dor. The Ko’dor are a species of shape-shifters, who can change their forms at will. Naturally, they are four-eyed, green octopus like creatures. But, they have the ability to morph and change to human, or any other species's, shape. But, to the Ko’dor, shape-shifting takes a lot of muscle bending and skin folding.



A Ko’dor spy has just entered your spaceship. The Ko’dor is unnoticed at first, but once he accidentally spills over a salt tin in his quarters, he dies. I can’t let my main characters know the spy is there yet, so the Ko’dor has to stay in his human form, even while dead.



Since muscles normally relax after death, why might Ko’dor biology allow them to stay in shapeshifted form, even while dead?






aliens xenobiology shapeshifters







share|improve this question



















  • 1




    Ko’dor biology works differently than Earth biology; one way this is manifested is that the default muscle state iscontraction.
    – RonJohn
    3 hours ago












up vote
2
down vote

favorite









up vote
2
down vote

favorite











So, in my story there is a species of aliens, called the Ko’dor. The Ko’dor are a species of shape-shifters, who can change their forms at will. Naturally, they are four-eyed, green octopus like creatures. But, they have the ability to morph and change to human, or any other species's, shape. But, to the Ko’dor, shape-shifting takes a lot of muscle bending and skin folding.



A Ko’dor spy has just entered your spaceship. The Ko’dor is unnoticed at first, but once he accidentally spills over a salt tin in his quarters, he dies. I can’t let my main characters know the spy is there yet, so the Ko’dor has to stay in his human form, even while dead.



Since muscles normally relax after death, why might Ko’dor biology allow them to stay in shapeshifted form, even while dead?






aliens xenobiology shapeshifters







share|improve this question















So, in my story there is a species of aliens, called the Ko’dor. The Ko’dor are a species of shape-shifters, who can change their forms at will. Naturally, they are four-eyed, green octopus like creatures. But, they have the ability to morph and change to human, or any other species's, shape. But, to the Ko’dor, shape-shifting takes a lot of muscle bending and skin folding.



A Ko’dor spy has just entered your spaceship. The Ko’dor is unnoticed at first, but once he accidentally spills over a salt tin in his quarters, he dies. I can’t let my main characters know the spy is there yet, so the Ko’dor has to stay in his human form, even while dead.



Since muscles normally relax after death, why might Ko’dor biology allow them to stay in shapeshifted form, even while dead?






aliens xenobiology shapeshifters




aliens xenobiology shapeshifters






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




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edited 6 mins ago









elemtilas

8,09121743




8,09121743










asked 3 hours ago









Robert Paul

1,77561639




1,77561639







  • 1




    Ko’dor biology works differently than Earth biology; one way this is manifested is that the default muscle state iscontraction.
    – RonJohn
    3 hours ago












  • 1




    Ko’dor biology works differently than Earth biology; one way this is manifested is that the default muscle state iscontraction.
    – RonJohn
    3 hours ago







1




1




Ko’dor biology works differently than Earth biology; one way this is manifested is that the default muscle state iscontraction.
– RonJohn
3 hours ago




Ko’dor biology works differently than Earth biology; one way this is manifested is that the default muscle state iscontraction.
– RonJohn
3 hours ago










3 Answers
3






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oldest

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up vote
2
down vote













Your Ko'dor aliens need a voluntary physical effort to change shape. If they don´t activate the muscles and the skin to return to their original shape, the process won´t happen. That is an evolutionary advantage, because if they are left unconscious or if they sleep, they mantain their current modified shape. The only way to know they are not humans is by means of an X-Ray scan, a blood sample, or a trained dog (the dog will immediately sense the different smell).






share|improve this answer




















  • What are some evolutionary reasons why the Ko’dor would develop this ability? I still need some help in that
    – Robert Paul
    1 hour ago










  • @RobertPaul That sounds like it would be better asked in a separate question.
    – Sydney Sleeper
    44 mins ago






  • 1




    I suppose that, after death, there is no longer an evolutionary advantage in anything. But if they shape-shift to fit into a tight space, for instance, and they lose consciousness, they would no longer 'fit' and probably die. Those organisms that stay in the same shape, even when unconscious, have a better survival rate than those who return to their natural state and thus negate the safety factor that they had when they shape-shifted to avoid a hazard in the first place.
    – Justin Thyme
    42 mins ago










  • A human might notice a sufficiently octopodian odor as well!
    – elemtilas
    4 mins ago

















up vote
1
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Ko’dor's body is like a piece of paper, and their assumed forms are like origami figures. Even after they die, they stay in their latest shape.



enter image description here






share|improve this answer




















  • How does this relate to a shapeshifting creature using the mechanisms the OP has described? The OP describes use of muscles and skin folds, their skin is not paper.
    – John Locke
    22 mins ago










  • Surely origami & paper are analogies for the Kod'ors' muscular tissues? The external process appears somewhat origamilike, but the actual work is done by muscles & connective tissues & probably some cellular level fluid pumps & pigment arrays.
    – elemtilas
    39 secs ago

















up vote
1
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Rigor mortise sets in immediately with this alien biology.



The muscles loosening up is a uniquely earth-bound biological mechanism. No need to posit that it HAS to happen with aliens. Their muscles could immediately stiffen, due to the enzymes that allow the extreme flexibility of the muscles no longer being effective in death. The enzymes are no longer biologically active, the muscles immediately freeze up.



Since I assume the Ko'dor have no bones, I can't see any particular necessity for them to return to their 'natural' shape.






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    3 Answers
    3






    active

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    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

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    active

    oldest

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    up vote
    2
    down vote













    Your Ko'dor aliens need a voluntary physical effort to change shape. If they don´t activate the muscles and the skin to return to their original shape, the process won´t happen. That is an evolutionary advantage, because if they are left unconscious or if they sleep, they mantain their current modified shape. The only way to know they are not humans is by means of an X-Ray scan, a blood sample, or a trained dog (the dog will immediately sense the different smell).






    share|improve this answer




















    • What are some evolutionary reasons why the Ko’dor would develop this ability? I still need some help in that
      – Robert Paul
      1 hour ago










    • @RobertPaul That sounds like it would be better asked in a separate question.
      – Sydney Sleeper
      44 mins ago






    • 1




      I suppose that, after death, there is no longer an evolutionary advantage in anything. But if they shape-shift to fit into a tight space, for instance, and they lose consciousness, they would no longer 'fit' and probably die. Those organisms that stay in the same shape, even when unconscious, have a better survival rate than those who return to their natural state and thus negate the safety factor that they had when they shape-shifted to avoid a hazard in the first place.
      – Justin Thyme
      42 mins ago










    • A human might notice a sufficiently octopodian odor as well!
      – elemtilas
      4 mins ago














    up vote
    2
    down vote













    Your Ko'dor aliens need a voluntary physical effort to change shape. If they don´t activate the muscles and the skin to return to their original shape, the process won´t happen. That is an evolutionary advantage, because if they are left unconscious or if they sleep, they mantain their current modified shape. The only way to know they are not humans is by means of an X-Ray scan, a blood sample, or a trained dog (the dog will immediately sense the different smell).






    share|improve this answer




















    • What are some evolutionary reasons why the Ko’dor would develop this ability? I still need some help in that
      – Robert Paul
      1 hour ago










    • @RobertPaul That sounds like it would be better asked in a separate question.
      – Sydney Sleeper
      44 mins ago






    • 1




      I suppose that, after death, there is no longer an evolutionary advantage in anything. But if they shape-shift to fit into a tight space, for instance, and they lose consciousness, they would no longer 'fit' and probably die. Those organisms that stay in the same shape, even when unconscious, have a better survival rate than those who return to their natural state and thus negate the safety factor that they had when they shape-shifted to avoid a hazard in the first place.
      – Justin Thyme
      42 mins ago










    • A human might notice a sufficiently octopodian odor as well!
      – elemtilas
      4 mins ago












    up vote
    2
    down vote










    up vote
    2
    down vote









    Your Ko'dor aliens need a voluntary physical effort to change shape. If they don´t activate the muscles and the skin to return to their original shape, the process won´t happen. That is an evolutionary advantage, because if they are left unconscious or if they sleep, they mantain their current modified shape. The only way to know they are not humans is by means of an X-Ray scan, a blood sample, or a trained dog (the dog will immediately sense the different smell).






    share|improve this answer












    Your Ko'dor aliens need a voluntary physical effort to change shape. If they don´t activate the muscles and the skin to return to their original shape, the process won´t happen. That is an evolutionary advantage, because if they are left unconscious or if they sleep, they mantain their current modified shape. The only way to know they are not humans is by means of an X-Ray scan, a blood sample, or a trained dog (the dog will immediately sense the different smell).







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered 2 hours ago









    Carlos Zamora

    1,793420




    1,793420











    • What are some evolutionary reasons why the Ko’dor would develop this ability? I still need some help in that
      – Robert Paul
      1 hour ago










    • @RobertPaul That sounds like it would be better asked in a separate question.
      – Sydney Sleeper
      44 mins ago






    • 1




      I suppose that, after death, there is no longer an evolutionary advantage in anything. But if they shape-shift to fit into a tight space, for instance, and they lose consciousness, they would no longer 'fit' and probably die. Those organisms that stay in the same shape, even when unconscious, have a better survival rate than those who return to their natural state and thus negate the safety factor that they had when they shape-shifted to avoid a hazard in the first place.
      – Justin Thyme
      42 mins ago










    • A human might notice a sufficiently octopodian odor as well!
      – elemtilas
      4 mins ago
















    • What are some evolutionary reasons why the Ko’dor would develop this ability? I still need some help in that
      – Robert Paul
      1 hour ago










    • @RobertPaul That sounds like it would be better asked in a separate question.
      – Sydney Sleeper
      44 mins ago






    • 1




      I suppose that, after death, there is no longer an evolutionary advantage in anything. But if they shape-shift to fit into a tight space, for instance, and they lose consciousness, they would no longer 'fit' and probably die. Those organisms that stay in the same shape, even when unconscious, have a better survival rate than those who return to their natural state and thus negate the safety factor that they had when they shape-shifted to avoid a hazard in the first place.
      – Justin Thyme
      42 mins ago










    • A human might notice a sufficiently octopodian odor as well!
      – elemtilas
      4 mins ago















    What are some evolutionary reasons why the Ko’dor would develop this ability? I still need some help in that
    – Robert Paul
    1 hour ago




    What are some evolutionary reasons why the Ko’dor would develop this ability? I still need some help in that
    – Robert Paul
    1 hour ago












    @RobertPaul That sounds like it would be better asked in a separate question.
    – Sydney Sleeper
    44 mins ago




    @RobertPaul That sounds like it would be better asked in a separate question.
    – Sydney Sleeper
    44 mins ago




    1




    1




    I suppose that, after death, there is no longer an evolutionary advantage in anything. But if they shape-shift to fit into a tight space, for instance, and they lose consciousness, they would no longer 'fit' and probably die. Those organisms that stay in the same shape, even when unconscious, have a better survival rate than those who return to their natural state and thus negate the safety factor that they had when they shape-shifted to avoid a hazard in the first place.
    – Justin Thyme
    42 mins ago




    I suppose that, after death, there is no longer an evolutionary advantage in anything. But if they shape-shift to fit into a tight space, for instance, and they lose consciousness, they would no longer 'fit' and probably die. Those organisms that stay in the same shape, even when unconscious, have a better survival rate than those who return to their natural state and thus negate the safety factor that they had when they shape-shifted to avoid a hazard in the first place.
    – Justin Thyme
    42 mins ago












    A human might notice a sufficiently octopodian odor as well!
    – elemtilas
    4 mins ago




    A human might notice a sufficiently octopodian odor as well!
    – elemtilas
    4 mins ago










    up vote
    1
    down vote













    Ko’dor's body is like a piece of paper, and their assumed forms are like origami figures. Even after they die, they stay in their latest shape.



    enter image description here






    share|improve this answer




















    • How does this relate to a shapeshifting creature using the mechanisms the OP has described? The OP describes use of muscles and skin folds, their skin is not paper.
      – John Locke
      22 mins ago










    • Surely origami & paper are analogies for the Kod'ors' muscular tissues? The external process appears somewhat origamilike, but the actual work is done by muscles & connective tissues & probably some cellular level fluid pumps & pigment arrays.
      – elemtilas
      39 secs ago














    up vote
    1
    down vote













    Ko’dor's body is like a piece of paper, and their assumed forms are like origami figures. Even after they die, they stay in their latest shape.



    enter image description here






    share|improve this answer




















    • How does this relate to a shapeshifting creature using the mechanisms the OP has described? The OP describes use of muscles and skin folds, their skin is not paper.
      – John Locke
      22 mins ago










    • Surely origami & paper are analogies for the Kod'ors' muscular tissues? The external process appears somewhat origamilike, but the actual work is done by muscles & connective tissues & probably some cellular level fluid pumps & pigment arrays.
      – elemtilas
      39 secs ago












    up vote
    1
    down vote










    up vote
    1
    down vote









    Ko’dor's body is like a piece of paper, and their assumed forms are like origami figures. Even after they die, they stay in their latest shape.



    enter image description here






    share|improve this answer












    Ko’dor's body is like a piece of paper, and their assumed forms are like origami figures. Even after they die, they stay in their latest shape.



    enter image description here







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered 3 hours ago









    Alexander

    16.8k42967




    16.8k42967











    • How does this relate to a shapeshifting creature using the mechanisms the OP has described? The OP describes use of muscles and skin folds, their skin is not paper.
      – John Locke
      22 mins ago










    • Surely origami & paper are analogies for the Kod'ors' muscular tissues? The external process appears somewhat origamilike, but the actual work is done by muscles & connective tissues & probably some cellular level fluid pumps & pigment arrays.
      – elemtilas
      39 secs ago
















    • How does this relate to a shapeshifting creature using the mechanisms the OP has described? The OP describes use of muscles and skin folds, their skin is not paper.
      – John Locke
      22 mins ago










    • Surely origami & paper are analogies for the Kod'ors' muscular tissues? The external process appears somewhat origamilike, but the actual work is done by muscles & connective tissues & probably some cellular level fluid pumps & pigment arrays.
      – elemtilas
      39 secs ago















    How does this relate to a shapeshifting creature using the mechanisms the OP has described? The OP describes use of muscles and skin folds, their skin is not paper.
    – John Locke
    22 mins ago




    How does this relate to a shapeshifting creature using the mechanisms the OP has described? The OP describes use of muscles and skin folds, their skin is not paper.
    – John Locke
    22 mins ago












    Surely origami & paper are analogies for the Kod'ors' muscular tissues? The external process appears somewhat origamilike, but the actual work is done by muscles & connective tissues & probably some cellular level fluid pumps & pigment arrays.
    – elemtilas
    39 secs ago




    Surely origami & paper are analogies for the Kod'ors' muscular tissues? The external process appears somewhat origamilike, but the actual work is done by muscles & connective tissues & probably some cellular level fluid pumps & pigment arrays.
    – elemtilas
    39 secs ago










    up vote
    1
    down vote













    Rigor mortise sets in immediately with this alien biology.



    The muscles loosening up is a uniquely earth-bound biological mechanism. No need to posit that it HAS to happen with aliens. Their muscles could immediately stiffen, due to the enzymes that allow the extreme flexibility of the muscles no longer being effective in death. The enzymes are no longer biologically active, the muscles immediately freeze up.



    Since I assume the Ko'dor have no bones, I can't see any particular necessity for them to return to their 'natural' shape.






    share|improve this answer
























      up vote
      1
      down vote













      Rigor mortise sets in immediately with this alien biology.



      The muscles loosening up is a uniquely earth-bound biological mechanism. No need to posit that it HAS to happen with aliens. Their muscles could immediately stiffen, due to the enzymes that allow the extreme flexibility of the muscles no longer being effective in death. The enzymes are no longer biologically active, the muscles immediately freeze up.



      Since I assume the Ko'dor have no bones, I can't see any particular necessity for them to return to their 'natural' shape.






      share|improve this answer






















        up vote
        1
        down vote










        up vote
        1
        down vote









        Rigor mortise sets in immediately with this alien biology.



        The muscles loosening up is a uniquely earth-bound biological mechanism. No need to posit that it HAS to happen with aliens. Their muscles could immediately stiffen, due to the enzymes that allow the extreme flexibility of the muscles no longer being effective in death. The enzymes are no longer biologically active, the muscles immediately freeze up.



        Since I assume the Ko'dor have no bones, I can't see any particular necessity for them to return to their 'natural' shape.






        share|improve this answer












        Rigor mortise sets in immediately with this alien biology.



        The muscles loosening up is a uniquely earth-bound biological mechanism. No need to posit that it HAS to happen with aliens. Their muscles could immediately stiffen, due to the enzymes that allow the extreme flexibility of the muscles no longer being effective in death. The enzymes are no longer biologically active, the muscles immediately freeze up.



        Since I assume the Ko'dor have no bones, I can't see any particular necessity for them to return to their 'natural' shape.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 51 mins ago









        Justin Thyme

        7,4421940




        7,4421940



























             

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