Yautja (Predator)

� � Predators are physically distinguished from humans by their greater height, arthropod-like mandibles and long, hair-like appendages on their heads. Their bodies are resilient to damage, capable of recovering from multiple gunshot wounds[1] [2] and radiation doses which would be fatal to humans.[2] They are much stronger than humans, having been portrayed as being easily capable of outmatching a conditioned adult human male[1] and shattering solid concrete with their bare hands. They are also skilled climbers, and will readily move through trees[1] or across rooftops[2] in pursuit of prey. Though capable of surviving exposed in Antarctic temperatures for an extended period of time[3], it is implied that Predators have a preference for hot equatorial climates.[1] [2] Their blood is luminescent phosphor green in color. Their vision operates mainly in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum; they can easily detect heat differentials in their surroundings but are unable to easily distinguish among objects of the same relative temperature.[1] A Predator's hunting helmet increases its ability to see in a variety of spectrums, ranging from the low infrared to the high ultraviolet, and also filters the ambient heat from the area, allowing them to see things with greater clarity and detail.[2] While they are capable of breathing Earth's atmosphere,[1] the creature in Predator 2 is seen using a breathing mask after losing his helmet. Their dietary habits are also mentioned in Predator 2, where it is revealed that the creature regularly visits a slaughterhouse every two days to feed on the stored meat there.[2]

Throughout their film appearances, Predators have undergone numerous design variations. In Predator 2, the main Predator was designed to look more urban and hip than its predecessor. Design changes included tribal ornamentation on the forehead, which was made steeper and shallower, brighter skin colouration and a greater number of fangs.[11] In Alien vs. Predator, the appearance of the Predators was redesigned to make them seem more heroic. Redesigns included a reduction in head and waist size, broader shoulders, a more muscular physique, piranha-like teeth on the upper jaw and dryer, less clammy skin to further differentiate them from the Aliens.[12] In Aliens vs Predator: Requiem, the Predator was returned to the sleeker design concept prior to Alien vs. Predator.[13]

[edit] Culture and history
Predator culture revolves around the hunting and stalking of dangerous lifeforms. After making a kill, Predators typically skin or decapitate the carcass, converting it into a trophy. Failure in a hunt results in the Predator involved committing an honorable suicide.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-P1_0-8">[1] It is often alluded to that the reason Predators hunt is not for sustenance or elimination of threats, but as entertainment, as they will only attack life forms that have the ability to provide them with a challenge. A Predator trophy room, as shown in Aliens vs Predator: Requiem. Featured species include humans, Aliens, a ceratopsian and a Space Jockey.Predators made contact with early human civilizations such as the Ancient Egyptians, the Khmer Empire, and Aztecs, as well as a fictitious culture inhabiting what is now modern day Bouvetøya.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AvP_2-4">[3] Upon arriving on Earth, the Predators were worshipped as gods by humans, and they taught many of the civilizations how to build pyramids (an explanation as to why many of these different ancient societies had distinctly similar cultures and architecture), but in return expected sacrifices of humans for use as hosts for huntable Aliens. The Predators returned to Bouvetøya every century to consummate the bargain, until at one point in the ritual, the Aliens spread out of control, resulting in the Predators detonating a bomb that obliterated the entire civilization.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AvP_2-5">[3] Relations with humans deteriorated, with the Predators from that time on viewing humans as little more than another quarry to hunt.

Predators feature prominently in the folklore of certain cultures; some Latin American people refer to the species as, "El Diablo que hace trofeos de los hombres" (Spanish for "The Demon who makes trophies of men")<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-P1_0-9">[1], while Jamaican superstition identifies Predators as demons from the spirit world.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-P2_1-9">[2] When hunting humans, Predators normally avoid certain individuals such as children and some adults if they are unarmed, though they will spare armed ones if they happen to be pregnant<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-P2_1-10">[2] or sickly.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AvP_2-6">[3] A human who has managed to kill a Predator in single combat<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-P2_1-11">[2] or has fought alongside one<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AvP_2-7">[3] is usually spared by the deceased hunter's comrades and given a gift (often a rare or exotic weapon) as a sign of respect.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AvP_2-8">[3]

A learner's first successful Alien hunt is completed with the marking of his forehead with the acidic blood of his kill.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AvP_2-9">[3] Predators apparently keep Alien Queens in captivity in order to obtain an easily accessible supply of eggs.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AvP_2-10">[3] It is shown in a brief scene in Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem that Predators have had prior contact with the Space Jockeys. This is confirmed in the film's DVD commentary.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-13">[14]

[edit] Language
The language of the Predators is expressed in the films and other media through written patterns of dashes. These written symbols appear on the creatures' gauntlet displays, their helmets, architecture, and many other surfaces. The most common vocalizations of the Predators consists of a series of roars, snarls, and growls. Predators will mimic human language on occasion.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-P1_0-10">[1] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-P2_1-12">[2] Author Steve Perry designed a specific language set for the Aliens vs. Predator novel series.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AVP:P_4-1">[5]

[edit] Technology
Main article: Predator technologyPredator technology is unique in many aspects, not in the least due to its ornate, tribal appearance masking deadly, sophisticated weaponry. It is shown in Predator 2 that at least one Predator weapon uses a metal that does not correspond to any element on the periodic table, and some weapons have been shown to be completely resistant to the effects of acidic blood belonging to Aliens. In addition, several of these tools make use of thermal imaging to track prey. The Predator's mask also houses a viewing system that allows the creature to see primarily in infrared. The Predator also makes use of a light-bending cloaking device. A flashback sequence in Alien versus Predator indicates that some aspects of their technology have been in use for millennia.