StarCraft
The
Zerg Swarm is a terrifying and ruthless amalgamation of biologically
advanced, arthropodal aliens. Dedicated to the pursuit of genetic
perfection, the zerg relentlessly hunt down and assimilate advanced
species across the galaxy, incorporating useful genetic code into
their own.
Alongside
the protoss and terrans, the zerg stand as one of the three dominant
species of the Milky Way and are universally feared, hated and hunted
as such. The Swarm in itself makes up a third of the power of the
Koprulu Sector.
It has been difficult for observers to determine the full extent of the zerg intelligence, but it is clear that they are a very cunning species, and they are capable of higher reasoning. Although they do not utilize technology, they demonstrate a clear understanding of it, and have been known to open airlocks and doorways in colonies that they have raided. As a group they also react intelligently to attacks and are adept at tactical combat. On an individual basis, though, the zerg seem to be hardly more than savage animals with little or no concern for self-preservation.
The
amount of control exerted over a zerg force also impacts on their
intelligence. Without this control, the zerg will become little more
than animals, attacking everything on sight, at times, even their own
kind. These zerg are referred to as feral zerg and can generally only
operate at the lowest level. In contrast, primal zerg are
intellectual individuals, with no links to a hivemind.
Zerg
can be "lobotomized" to lose contact with the Zerg Swarm.
The Terran Dominion conducted this experiment as early as 2500, using
zerglings to seek psychic terrans.
The
zerg are able to create rifts into warp space to transport themselves
at faster-than-light speeds. These rifts have been utilized multiple
times.
