Kurandans

Kurandans are a fictional species featured in the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. They are an intelligent, insectoid race that evolved on the planet Shel<bos>'s prime. Initially, they were not the dominant species on their world, living in symbiosis with a much larger, more primitive crustacean-like creature. Through a process of gradual evolution, influenced by the introduction of a terraforming nanovirus, the Kurandans developed sapience and a complex society.

Their physical appearance is described as centaur-like, with a segmented body, multiple limbs, and a hardened exoskeleton. They possess a unique form of communication through pheromones and complex vibrational patterns, which allows for a degree of telepathic understanding within their species. Kurandan society is characterized by a strong emphasis on collective well-being and a deeply ingrained respect for their environment. They have developed sophisticated technology, particularly in areas related to biology and terraforming, driven by their need to understand and adapt their world. Their interactions with humans, who arrive much later in their history, are a central theme of the novel, exploring themes of interspecies conflict, understanding, and coexistence.

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