Gene seeds

Gene seeds were artificial genetic structures that replicated those of naturally occuring lifeforms could be spliced with natural genetic material of another species to create a lifeform of either a hybrid appearance or the same appearance with altered behavior and abilities. It was believed by Old Republic scientists that up to ninety percent of both sentient and nonsentient lifeforms in the galaxy evolved similar features as a result of gene seeding and other forms of genetic modification. The Rakatans frequently used gene seeds that were a mix of Rakatan and Human material and administered the solutions unto animal populations, resulting in the development of humanoids that had an overall Human structure and most often shared a degree of intelligence but still retained certain aspects with animals they were once related to. Some creatures acquired intelligence and complex social behavior after gene seeding, though retained the entirety of their previous biological structure. The Gree, Devaronians, and the Columni, who themselves were also the result of Rakatan modification, were also known to use gene seeding on a large scale.