Star Trek: 10 Species That Can Survive The Vacuum Of Space

Although the shape-shifting Security Chief Odo's first appearance in DS9's debut brought a new oddity into the lore of Star Trek, very few could have guessed just how fundamental yet devastating his race would become to the entire galaxy.

Native to the Gamma Quadrant and naturally inhabiting a liquid state, Changelings' abilities to morph into whatever they please was seen as a threat by the solid beings of the cosmos. Seeking at first to defend themselves and later to control potential threats, the Changelings used their abilities and significant knowledge of genetics to found The Dominion, and conquered the quadrant by means both brutal and insidious.

Changelings have displayed an impressive hardiness for environments even as inhospitable as space. Infant Changelings were flung into the deep dark of space to learn of other cultures, one of whom, Laas, managed to track down his 'brother' Odo by shifting into the shape of a space-faring creature, 'swimming' through the void to seek his brethren in the stars.