Kanlien

Kanlien refers to a fictional ethnic group featured in the science fiction novel "Dragon's Egg" by Robert L. Forward. The Kanlien are a silicon-based lifeform that inhabit the surface of the neutron star Cheela. Their civilization is highly advanced, having evolved in an environment with extreme gravity and radiation. They are depicted as having a deep understanding of physics and engineering, allowing them to manipulate matter and energy on a scale far beyond human comprehension.

The Kanlien's physiology is adapted to their harsh environment. Their bodies are dense and resilient, capable of withstanding immense gravitational forces. They reproduce asexually and have lifespans measured in milliseconds due to their rapid metabolism and the high-speed nature of their existence. Communication among Kanlien is achieved through complex electromagnetic signals.

In the narrative of "Dragon's Egg," human scientists establish contact with the Kanlien and engage in a period of intense scientific exchange. This interaction highlights the vast differences in biological and cultural evolution between the two species. The Kanlien civilization is portrayed as existing in a state of constant, rapid development, with individual lifespans so short that their entire civilization progresses through countless generations in the time it takes humans to experience a single moment. Their existence challenges conventional notions of life and intelligence.