Tallisites (Homo sapiens tallis) are a humanoid species native to the planet Tallis in the Sundom of Eris. Distinguished by their pale complexion and limited genetic diversity, they share significant genetic similarities with the extinct Homo sapiens terra (Humans), suggesting a common evolutionary ancestor through Precursor Comet PC-3.
Tallisites possess several distinct physiological adaptations to their low-UV environment. Their characteristically pale skin contains minimal melanin, an evolutionary response to the reduced UV radiation from their home star, Eris. This adaptation, while beneficial on Tallis, renders them particularly susceptible to UV damage on other worlds. Their hair colouration exhibits a notable geographical distribution pattern, with darker shades predominating in areas of higher light exposure and lighter variants occurring near the Tallis date line.
The species' cellular composition closely mirrors that of their Human ancestors, comprising approximately 30 trillion cells and 38 trillion symbiotic bacteria at maturity. Their biochemistry is primarily based on common organic elements including hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, calcium, and phosphorus, arranged in complex cellular and non-cellular structures sustained by an extracellular matrix.
While the majority of Tallisites remain on their homeworld, significant expatriate communities have established themselves within the Navareo Empire and the Galactic Neutral Zone (GNZ). Recent genetic studies have shown successful integration of Navarean melanin operons into the Tallisite genome through targeted gene therapy, enabling some individuals to develop enhanced UV resistance.
Archaeological and genetic evidence strongly suggests that Tallisite life originated from Precursor Comet PC-3, which deposited essential biological materials including ice, carbon compounds, and proto-cyanobacteria on what would become Tallis. The same comet is believed to have continued its trajectory to Earth, explaining the remarkable genetic similarities between Tallisites and the extinct Human species.