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Reproduction

2011-11-16T12:56:47Z

98.94.183.20: /* Familial relationships */ Fixed single quotes.

[[Image:MangaDinoforceBabies.jpg|right|250px|thumb|HOW IS BABBY FORMED?]]
Various reproduction methods for the Transformers species have been demonstrated across various continuities.

==Mechanical construction==
Sometimes, new Transformers are simply built from scratch, and that's all it takes. A suitable Transformer body is constructed, and when finished and turned on, it just springs to life.
===Generation 1===
====Cartoon continuity====
Two notable examples of this type of reproduction appear in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]: when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and company create the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} and later when the temporarily super-intelligent [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] creates the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

[[Image:SOSDinobots buildingSludge.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"I've been workin' on the Dinobot, all the live long day..."]]
The Dinobots are initially very simple mentally and are ordered to be deactivated because they are too dangerous. Wheeljack then develops a set of crown-like devices to place on the Dinobots which greatly enhances their intellect, although they are still "dumb" and child-like compared to the other Autobots. The Technobots, on the other hand, are immediately fully functional, and some of them are even ''smarter'' than average Transformers. If one were to take these facts as canonically meaningful (rather than simply the whims of the writers of those episodes), it could be guessed that programming a functional Transformer brain from scratch is extremely difficult, such that even Wheeljack is not up to the job. Temporarily super-genius Grimlock may be the only one capable. However, one must also note that the Dinobots were built and programmed to be as similar to dinosaurs as possible, including the limited intelligence; the Technobots, however, were built by Grimlock with intelligence in mind, as it was the only way to counter [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]' brute power.

At least on the surface, this "built from scratch" approach runs counter to claims in other episodes of the show that [[Vector Sigma]] is needed to create new Transformer life. (See below.) However, since Vector Sigma is presented as being a supercomputer and not a "magical" device like the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comics']] [[Creation Matrix]], it could fall in with the speculative statements above regarding Grimlock and Wheeljack. Perhaps Vector Sigma is simply an advanced enough computer that it is capable of constructing a working mind.

====IDW comics continuity====
[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] are created by Decepticon scientists after many failed attempts. The failed attempts lived on and were collectively known as [[Insecticon swarm|"the swarm"]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron}}

== Infusion ==
[[Image:Creation Matrix 65.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Go on, rub it and make a wish...]]
In other stories, once a new Transformer body has been built, it must still be infused with life (what the fiction from the Beast era and after would gloss as a [[spark]]) from a "god-like" outside source. In the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, this source is Vector Sigma; in the Marvel comics, it is the Creation Matrix, which houses the essence of [[Primus]], the Transformers' creator-god. In the [[Beast Era|Beast era]] cartoons, sparks arrive from the [[Allspark]], perhaps through Vector Sigma. (In many continuities, each Transformer's life force is a fragment of Primus's own.) The [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] continuities function with the [[AllSpark]] being the source of infusion as well, though in that case, "living" and "sentient" are not quite the same thing. (See: [[AllSpark Mutation]].)

[[Image:VectorSigmaG1.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Vector Sigma holds "Disco Night" every Friday at 11 pm.]]
In the [[Young Corgi]] book ''[[Desert of Danger]]'', Hot Rod refers to his creation after the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' left Cybertron as when he was "matrixed". How exactly this would have happened if Optimus Prime was aboard the ''Ark'' with the Matrix at the time is unknown, but one option might be the [[Matrix Flame]].

The Matrix Flame is an artifact which allows Transformers on Cybertron to access the power of the Matrix even when it is no longer on Cybertron. Literally a flame, it is used to breathe life in the super warrior [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] in the UK comics. The flame is somehow linked to the Matrix, and when the Matrix is transported to another dimension during "[[Target: 2006]]", the flame goes out, forcing the Autobots on Cybertron to investigate.

The [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' guide provides yet another method of infusion. According to the guide's entry on [[protoform]]s in issue #8, in the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity]], Transformers generally begin life as a skeletal mass of partially formed circuits—a [[Protoform]]. These are kept in stasis pods filled with nurturing nutrient gel. They can be built to certain specifications or be fairly general, allowing the robot to form naturally upon introduction of a spark. Sparks, and hence life, usually come from the Matrix, ''BUT'', if the Matrix is absent, life can be granted by attuning the protoform to an energy wavelength similar to the Matrix and then applying a concentrated burst of energon. This alternative is rarely used, as it is extremely resource-consumptive, requiring restrictively high amounts of energon.

[[Image:Allspark movie.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"RESISTANCE IS FUTILE."]]
The Movie continuity's [[AllSpark]] works by infusion as well, just on an even more impressive scale. It is capable of infusing any inanimate machine with life and simultaneously altering its structure so that it is capable of transforming into a Cybertronian-style robot. The AllSpark fragments spread across Detroit in the ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' continuity show the same ability to alter non-living machines into new Transformers (as well as unrelated powers like slowing time and remote controlling other Cybertronians.) Although, outside of the toy biographies for certain characters, the AllSpark in the movie merely creates non-sentient, animalistic life-forms out of ordinary machines, rather than fully developed Cybertronians. Suggesting that maybe, the Cybertronians 'evolved' over time. This is further hinted at by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] when, whilst responding to [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]'s comment about humans being primitive and violent, he responds; "Were we so different?"

'''''See also:''' [[Sacred implement]]''
{{-}}
== Resurrection ==
[[Image:Pmoptimusprimedeath.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Don't worry kids, he gets better. Again.]]
Though not quite the same as reproduction, a copy of the mind or essence of a previously living Transformer may be introduced into a new body and, through some vague process, return that Transformer to life. This occurs when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] creates the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] in the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, and in the comic when Prime uses copies of the minds of existing Cybertronians to create the second-series Autobot cars on [[Earth]]. Another example from the comic occurs when Optimus Prime himself is returned to life merely by inputting a human's [[floppy disk]] copy of his mind into a new body.

A variation on this theme is [[Unicron]]'s ability to create new Robotic life. In the cartoon continuity, Unicron rebuilds [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], though it is unclear if these are the same being. Less ambiguous is the creation of [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and the [[Sweeps]] from the apparently dead remains of [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. In Marvel comic book continuity, Unicron exhibits a similar ability, fashioning three servants named [[Hook, Line, and Sinker]] from the remains of non-Cybertronian robots attempting to flee him. Some fans have speculated that the creation of the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] by super-genius [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] was aided in some fashion by Unicron's presence.

In his ending to the ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals]]'' video game, [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] uses "a prototype cloning device, based on transreplication technology" to clone the deactivated Generation 1 Decepticons on the Ark into new protoform bodies, thus reviving them without altering the timeline (and erasing himself) by effectively doubling each robot.

This is included as a means of reproduction because it seems likely from the dialogue that the Autobot cars created via copied minds by Prime on Earth still existed on Cybertron when he left, meaning that if they survived the intermediate 4 million years, two of each of these individuals now exist.

In the [[Unicron Trilogy]] story "[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]", [[Redline]] and [[Falcia]] combine energy from their [[Spark frame|spark frames]] in order to create a new body for the mind/soul of [[Twirl]] to inhabit after her [[Mini-Con storage panel]] is destroyed in battle. This leads to an interesting relationship between Twirl and Falcia. (See "Familial relationships", below.)

== Budding ==
[[Image:G2issue5-PowerandtheGlory-BuddingSteps.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Budding doesn't look like much fun at ALL. It looks like Aliens versus Predator all over again.]]
The [[Generation 2 (Marvel comic)|''Transformers: Generation 2'' comic]] introduced the concept of asexual "budding". Bubbles and lesions of apparently liquid metal form on a robot's chest, accompanied by energy discharge. The process grows more intense, until a large mass of liquid metal bursts free from the chest and slowly forms into a [[protoform]]-like blank figure, and then solidifies into a full Transformer. Illustrations suggest that this is something of a communal event, with others surrounding the budding robot in a circle.

[[Image:TNA.gif|left|150px|thumb|With the right early screening, even pegwarming might some day be preventable.]]
It was revealed that (in the Marvel continuity at least) early Transformers reproduced this way until they reached the population level Primus desired. At this turning point, the practice stopped and all memory of it was erased. When the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronians]] (possibly under influence of the [[Liege Maximo]]) rediscovered and revived the process sometime during the 4 million years after the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'''s loss, the successive generations of robots produced were increasingly less sentient and emotional (as Primus's lifeforce was apparently spread thinner and thinner between them), and the lifeform called the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]] was created as a byproduct.

It is established here that Transformers do have genetic material (the Transformer equivalent of DNA) within their cellular structures. (Yes, they also apparently have cellular structures—who knew?) This genetic material is passed down from "parent" to "child" through budding. Its make-up is seen in the picture at left. (Apparently, its design is not taught in the Transformer equivalent of high school Biology, as Megatron does not recognize what he's looking at until Perceptor explains.) This genetic material and basic Transformer cellular structure is also passed to the Swarm. Later, in [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]], Transformer genetic material is given the designation [[CNA]], and it is what is altered by the malevolent Jhiaxus to create female Transformers.

The other notable fact is that Transformers who have undergone the budding process retain some sort of primal link to their offspring, thus even though they are galaxies apart, the ''Generation 1'' Decepticon [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] doubles over in pain when his descendant [[Mindset (G2)|Mindset]] is destroyed, and the Liege Maximo says he would know if his descendant, Megatron, were to die.

== Sexual reproduction ==
[[Image:Tfreprod marvel28.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"Film the birth?"<br/> "No, got some great footage of the conception, though!"]]
Despite most continuities having male and female genders (gender being a mental and social classification, as opposed to "sexes", a physical distinction) and a definite, strong history of [[transformer romance]] existing between these genders, there is little canonical evidence for Transformers reproducing sexually. (Though admittedly, there isn't a lot of direct evidence for [[Human|humans]] reproducing sexually in most Transformers media, which is, after all, aimed towards kids.)

In the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, the male Transformer - [[female Transformer]] romance could perhaps be explained as an artifact of [[Quintesson]] mental programming very closely echoing the organic life forms the Transformers were built to serve.

On only two occasions in Generation 1 do we get a hint of male and female Transformer romance leading to the formation of family units and the creation of offspring. The first is subtle: [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s backstory in some versions mentions his crashing on Quintessa with his parents. The second is more explicit: At the end of the Japanese [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|''Victory'' manga]], we find out that [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] and his forces have been fighting all this time for the sake of their/the families living on top of the [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]], among which the [[Dinoforce]]'s [[Baby Dinoforce|children]]. Awww.

Apart from this, the best case for sexual reproduction in the species could probably be made from ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', where [[Rattrap]] makes numerous off-color remarks throughout the series, especially directed at [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. These comments strongly hint at something sex-like among Transformers, though it could, of course, be merely recreational rather than reproductive.

It is unknown what effect the ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' [[reformatting]] of Transformers into [[technorganic]] beings, which are equal parts organic life and mechanical structure down to a cellular level, has on their reproductive options. It is conceivable but unexplored whether this new form of Transformer life could reproduce sexually.

During a dream-like vision, Blackarachnia and Silverbolt meet in an ethereal state, and the two appear to "merge" their sparks, which may be as close to sexual intercourse as Transformers get, perhaps a more spiritual act than physical.

[[Image:Sariprime.jpg|right|120px|thumb|At that moment, Optimus realizes that there are some questions best left unanswered.]]

The [[Transformers (2007)|2007 motion picture]] once again brings up questions about the possibility of a less-than-mechanical form of reproduction. The first and most obvious of these implications comes from [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet's]] less-than-tactful observation of "the [[Sam Witwicky|boy]] want[ing] to mate with the [[Mikaela Banes|female]]." Although his grasp of the concept could stem merely from a familiarity with organic species in general, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime's]] mention of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] killing their father, in some related material, does suggest Transformers have some understanding of family units. In [[Revenge of the Fallen issue 4| the fourth issue of ''Revenge of the Fallen'']], [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]] refers to [[Sam Witwicky|Sam's]] parents as his "protoform batch initiators." Make that of what you will.

In the ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' continuity, it seems clear that Transformers do not reproduce sexually. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] appears stunned when [[Sari Sumdac|Sari]] tells him where human babies come from, and later brings up the inconsistency when Sari's own origins are revealed.

On the flip-side, in IDW continuity, female Transformers are specifically created by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. By altering fundamental [[CNA]], Jhiaxus introduced gender to the species from a malevolent curiosity about what would happen. The depth of the change in this case is unknown; is it limited to appearance and mentality or does it go deeper? If he was truly trying to see how females would affect the evolution of the species it is possible Arcee was created with the capability for some analog of sexual reproduction in mind, but given his abandonment of the experiment and Arcee's resultant unbalanced mental state it seems unlikely the depth of the change will be explored.

In the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'' episode]] "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]", [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] joked with [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]], asking him if he had heard that humans multiplied. Ratchet was expecting her and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] to bring back two humans. When they brought back three, Arcee had implied that the teenagers had reproduced since then.
{{-}}

== Familial relationships ==
[[Image:PrimeDirective4 Cover SunstreakerSideswipe.jpg|left|150px|thumb|The Doublemint Twins they're not.]]
One confusing aspect of this apparent lack of sexual reproduction is the canonical use of genealogical terminology to describe certain relationships. The most common of these is when two Transformers regard each other as siblings: "brothers" (e.g. ''Generation 1's'' [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] or ''Robots in Disguise'''s [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]) or "sisters" ([[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]).

Again, the Dreamwave ''More than Meets the Eye'' guide provides a partial possible answer. According to the guide, when a spark naturally splits as it's being introduced to a protoform, it creates two robots who are "brothers", such as Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. When such a spark division is artificially induced, the pair created are referred to as "[[Cloning|clones]]". (This definition of "brother" may or may not apply to RID Prime and Magnus, whose brotherhood was said to result from the special circumstance of having been created simultaneously by Alpha Trion).

However, the "[[Beast Era|Beast era]]" widened the issue of reproduction with Rattrap referring to his "great-aunt" [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and in general the practice of Maximals and Predacons referring to the Autobots and Decepticons as their respective "ancestors", as well as themselves as being their "descendants", implying a direct genetic (for want of a better term) lineage. Various sources of debatable canonicity suggest that [[Optimus Primal]] is specifically descended from [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], usually through the phrase "[his] ancestor Optimus Prime".

In the absence of sexual reproduction, the use and meaning of these genealogical references is difficult to explain. One possible explanation might be a situation such as when [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] is brought to life in ''Beast Wars''. Her [[spark]] and [[protoform]] are heavily damaged, and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] allows some of his parts to be used as replacements while [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] guides the procedure. To compare to humans, this is something like assisting with childbirth and donating blood or organs. It is unlikely that this happened enough to cause "descendants" as they are described, however. The term may also be used in an ideological sense or even a technological sense, much as the CD or MP3 player is, in a way, a "descendant" of the gramophone.

[[Image:Linkage7_Twirl-Baby.jpg|250px|right|thumb|So, think Social Services handle cases like these often?]]
Other family designations exist as well. [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] has "parents" that were lost in his crash on [[Quintessa]], according to some background material. The aforementioned Mini-Con Twirl very specifically calls Falcia her "mother" (which Falcia ''hates'') and seems to treat Redline like a father, since the two's spark frame energies went into constructing her physical form. In the ''Armada'' cartoon, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] refers to [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] as his brother after Hot Shot saves his life, suggesting at least an understanding of the concept; on the other hand, the ''Armada'' cartoon is originally Japanese, and in Japan, "brother" and "sister" can be used as terms of affection or respect to an unrelated person. The [[Unicron Trilogy]] universe has also used the term "cousin" for certain Transformers on occasion. The Japanese Generation 1 ''Victory'' manga features Decepticon wives and children. Even the live-action movie features an Optimus and Megatron who are brothers, and it is mentioned in the related Nintendo DS game that Megatron "took the spark" of their father.

'''''See also:''' [[Relatives]]''
{{-}}

== Toys ==
[[Image:Classics cosmos concept.gif|right|250px|thumb|Echography of a sadly aborted Transformer.... Yes, those things happen.]]
In the real-life continuity, when two toy manufacturing companies love each other very much, [[Hasbro|one of them]] may start shooting Transformer design propositions to the [[TakaraTomy|other one]]. There, during several months of gestation, engineers will work on those designs, which will be developed into functional and manufacturable Transformers. Once the Transformer is ready to be produced, its design will be sent to marketing and ultimately to the chain manufacturer for the delivery. Voilà! A new Transformer is born!
{{-}}

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]

Reproduction

2011-11-16T12:44:46Z

98.94.183.20: /* Sexual reproduction */ Replaced hyphen being used as dash.

[[Image:MangaDinoforceBabies.jpg|right|250px|thumb|HOW IS BABBY FORMED?]]
Various reproduction methods for the Transformers species have been demonstrated across various continuities.

==Mechanical construction==
Sometimes, new Transformers are simply built from scratch, and that's all it takes. A suitable Transformer body is constructed, and when finished and turned on, it just springs to life.
===Generation 1===
====Cartoon continuity====
Two notable examples of this type of reproduction appear in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]: when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and company create the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} and later when the temporarily super-intelligent [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] creates the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

[[Image:SOSDinobots buildingSludge.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"I've been workin' on the Dinobot, all the live long day..."]]
The Dinobots are initially very simple mentally and are ordered to be deactivated because they are too dangerous. Wheeljack then develops a set of crown-like devices to place on the Dinobots which greatly enhances their intellect, although they are still "dumb" and child-like compared to the other Autobots. The Technobots, on the other hand, are immediately fully functional, and some of them are even ''smarter'' than average Transformers. If one were to take these facts as canonically meaningful (rather than simply the whims of the writers of those episodes), it could be guessed that programming a functional Transformer brain from scratch is extremely difficult, such that even Wheeljack is not up to the job. Temporarily super-genius Grimlock may be the only one capable. However, one must also note that the Dinobots were built and programmed to be as similar to dinosaurs as possible, including the limited intelligence; the Technobots, however, were built by Grimlock with intelligence in mind, as it was the only way to counter [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]' brute power.

At least on the surface, this "built from scratch" approach runs counter to claims in other episodes of the show that [[Vector Sigma]] is needed to create new Transformer life. (See below.) However, since Vector Sigma is presented as being a supercomputer and not a "magical" device like the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comics']] [[Creation Matrix]], it could fall in with the speculative statements above regarding Grimlock and Wheeljack. Perhaps Vector Sigma is simply an advanced enough computer that it is capable of constructing a working mind.

====IDW comics continuity====
[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] are created by Decepticon scientists after many failed attempts. The failed attempts lived on and were collectively known as [[Insecticon swarm|"the swarm"]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron}}

== Infusion ==
[[Image:Creation Matrix 65.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Go on, rub it and make a wish...]]
In other stories, once a new Transformer body has been built, it must still be infused with life (what the fiction from the Beast era and after would gloss as a [[spark]]) from a "god-like" outside source. In the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, this source is Vector Sigma; in the Marvel comics, it is the Creation Matrix, which houses the essence of [[Primus]], the Transformers' creator-god. In the [[Beast Era|Beast era]] cartoons, sparks arrive from the [[Allspark]], perhaps through Vector Sigma. (In many continuities, each Transformer's life force is a fragment of Primus's own.) The [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] continuities function with the [[AllSpark]] being the source of infusion as well, though in that case, "living" and "sentient" are not quite the same thing. (See: [[AllSpark Mutation]].)

[[Image:VectorSigmaG1.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Vector Sigma holds "Disco Night" every Friday at 11 pm.]]
In the [[Young Corgi]] book ''[[Desert of Danger]]'', Hot Rod refers to his creation after the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' left Cybertron as when he was "matrixed". How exactly this would have happened if Optimus Prime was aboard the ''Ark'' with the Matrix at the time is unknown, but one option might be the [[Matrix Flame]].

The Matrix Flame is an artifact which allows Transformers on Cybertron to access the power of the Matrix even when it is no longer on Cybertron. Literally a flame, it is used to breathe life in the super warrior [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] in the UK comics. The flame is somehow linked to the Matrix, and when the Matrix is transported to another dimension during "[[Target: 2006]]", the flame goes out, forcing the Autobots on Cybertron to investigate.

The [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' guide provides yet another method of infusion. According to the guide's entry on [[protoform]]s in issue #8, in the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity]], Transformers generally begin life as a skeletal mass of partially formed circuits—a [[Protoform]]. These are kept in stasis pods filled with nurturing nutrient gel. They can be built to certain specifications or be fairly general, allowing the robot to form naturally upon introduction of a spark. Sparks, and hence life, usually come from the Matrix, ''BUT'', if the Matrix is absent, life can be granted by attuning the protoform to an energy wavelength similar to the Matrix and then applying a concentrated burst of energon. This alternative is rarely used, as it is extremely resource-consumptive, requiring restrictively high amounts of energon.

[[Image:Allspark movie.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"RESISTANCE IS FUTILE."]]
The Movie continuity's [[AllSpark]] works by infusion as well, just on an even more impressive scale. It is capable of infusing any inanimate machine with life and simultaneously altering its structure so that it is capable of transforming into a Cybertronian-style robot. The AllSpark fragments spread across Detroit in the ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' continuity show the same ability to alter non-living machines into new Transformers (as well as unrelated powers like slowing time and remote controlling other Cybertronians.) Although, outside of the toy biographies for certain characters, the AllSpark in the movie merely creates non-sentient, animalistic life-forms out of ordinary machines, rather than fully developed Cybertronians. Suggesting that maybe, the Cybertronians 'evolved' over time. This is further hinted at by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] when, whilst responding to [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]'s comment about humans being primitive and violent, he responds; "Were we so different?"

'''''See also:''' [[Sacred implement]]''
{{-}}
== Resurrection ==
[[Image:Pmoptimusprimedeath.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Don't worry kids, he gets better. Again.]]
Though not quite the same as reproduction, a copy of the mind or essence of a previously living Transformer may be introduced into a new body and, through some vague process, return that Transformer to life. This occurs when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] creates the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] in the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, and in the comic when Prime uses copies of the minds of existing Cybertronians to create the second-series Autobot cars on [[Earth]]. Another example from the comic occurs when Optimus Prime himself is returned to life merely by inputting a human's [[floppy disk]] copy of his mind into a new body.

A variation on this theme is [[Unicron]]'s ability to create new Robotic life. In the cartoon continuity, Unicron rebuilds [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], though it is unclear if these are the same being. Less ambiguous is the creation of [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and the [[Sweeps]] from the apparently dead remains of [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. In Marvel comic book continuity, Unicron exhibits a similar ability, fashioning three servants named [[Hook, Line, and Sinker]] from the remains of non-Cybertronian robots attempting to flee him. Some fans have speculated that the creation of the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] by super-genius [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] was aided in some fashion by Unicron's presence.

In his ending to the ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals]]'' video game, [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] uses "a prototype cloning device, based on transreplication technology" to clone the deactivated Generation 1 Decepticons on the Ark into new protoform bodies, thus reviving them without altering the timeline (and erasing himself) by effectively doubling each robot.

This is included as a means of reproduction because it seems likely from the dialogue that the Autobot cars created via copied minds by Prime on Earth still existed on Cybertron when he left, meaning that if they survived the intermediate 4 million years, two of each of these individuals now exist.

In the [[Unicron Trilogy]] story "[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]", [[Redline]] and [[Falcia]] combine energy from their [[Spark frame|spark frames]] in order to create a new body for the mind/soul of [[Twirl]] to inhabit after her [[Mini-Con storage panel]] is destroyed in battle. This leads to an interesting relationship between Twirl and Falcia. (See "Familial relationships", below.)

== Budding ==
[[Image:G2issue5-PowerandtheGlory-BuddingSteps.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Budding doesn't look like much fun at ALL. It looks like Aliens versus Predator all over again.]]
The [[Generation 2 (Marvel comic)|''Transformers: Generation 2'' comic]] introduced the concept of asexual "budding". Bubbles and lesions of apparently liquid metal form on a robot's chest, accompanied by energy discharge. The process grows more intense, until a large mass of liquid metal bursts free from the chest and slowly forms into a [[protoform]]-like blank figure, and then solidifies into a full Transformer. Illustrations suggest that this is something of a communal event, with others surrounding the budding robot in a circle.

[[Image:TNA.gif|left|150px|thumb|With the right early screening, even pegwarming might some day be preventable.]]
It was revealed that (in the Marvel continuity at least) early Transformers reproduced this way until they reached the population level Primus desired. At this turning point, the practice stopped and all memory of it was erased. When the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronians]] (possibly under influence of the [[Liege Maximo]]) rediscovered and revived the process sometime during the 4 million years after the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'''s loss, the successive generations of robots produced were increasingly less sentient and emotional (as Primus's lifeforce was apparently spread thinner and thinner between them), and the lifeform called the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]] was created as a byproduct.

It is established here that Transformers do have genetic material (the Transformer equivalent of DNA) within their cellular structures. (Yes, they also apparently have cellular structures—who knew?) This genetic material is passed down from "parent" to "child" through budding. Its make-up is seen in the picture at left. (Apparently, its design is not taught in the Transformer equivalent of high school Biology, as Megatron does not recognize what he's looking at until Perceptor explains.) This genetic material and basic Transformer cellular structure is also passed to the Swarm. Later, in [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]], Transformer genetic material is given the designation [[CNA]], and it is what is altered by the malevolent Jhiaxus to create female Transformers.

The other notable fact is that Transformers who have undergone the budding process retain some sort of primal link to their offspring, thus even though they are galaxies apart, the ''Generation 1'' Decepticon [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] doubles over in pain when his descendant [[Mindset (G2)|Mindset]] is destroyed, and the Liege Maximo says he would know if his descendant, Megatron, were to die.

== Sexual reproduction ==
[[Image:Tfreprod marvel28.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"Film the birth?"<br/> "No, got some great footage of the conception, though!"]]
Despite most continuities having male and female genders (gender being a mental and social classification, as opposed to "sexes", a physical distinction) and a definite, strong history of [[transformer romance]] existing between these genders, there is little canonical evidence for Transformers reproducing sexually. (Though admittedly, there isn't a lot of direct evidence for [[Human|humans]] reproducing sexually in most Transformers media, which is, after all, aimed towards kids.)

In the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, the male Transformer – [[female Transformer]] romance could perhaps be explained as an artifact of [[Quintesson]] mental programming very closely echoing the organic life forms the Transformers were built to serve.

On only two occasions in Generation 1 do we get a hint of male and female Transformer romance leading to the formation of family units and the creation of offspring. The first is subtle: [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s backstory in some versions mentions his crashing on Quintessa with his parents. The second is more explicit: At the end of the Japanese [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|''Victory'' manga]], we find out that [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] and his forces have been fighting all this time for the sake of their/the families living on top of the [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]], among which the [[Dinoforce]]'s [[Baby Dinoforce|children]]. Awww.

Apart from this, the best case for sexual reproduction in the species could probably be made from ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', where [[Rattrap]] makes numerous off-color remarks throughout the series, especially directed at [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. These comments strongly hint at something sex-like among Transformers, though it could, of course, be merely recreational rather than reproductive.

It is unknown what effect the ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' [[reformatting]] of Transformers into [[technorganic]] beings, which are equal parts organic life and mechanical structure down to a cellular level, has on their reproductive options. It is conceivable but unexplored whether this new form of Transformer life could reproduce sexually.

During a dream-like vision, Blackarachnia and Silverbolt meet in an ethereal state, and the two appear to "merge" their sparks, which may be as close to sexual intercourse as Transformers get, perhaps a more spiritual act than physical.

[[Image:Sariprime.jpg|right|120px|thumb|At that moment, Optimus realizes that there are some questions best left unanswered.]]

The [[Transformers (2007)|2007 motion picture]] once again brings up questions about the possibility of a less-than-mechanical form of reproduction. The first and most obvious of these implications comes from [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet's]] less-than-tactful observation of "the [[Sam Witwicky|boy]] want[ing] to mate with the [[Mikaela Banes|female]]." Although his grasp of the concept could stem merely from a familiarity with organic species in general, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime's]] mention of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] killing their father, in some related material, does suggest Transformers have some understanding of family units. In [[Revenge of the Fallen issue 4| the fourth issue of ''Revenge of the Fallen'']], [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]] refers to [[Sam Witwicky|Sam's]] parents as his "protoform batch initiators." Make that of what you will.

In the ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' continuity, it seems clear that Transformers do not reproduce sexually. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] appears stunned when [[Sari Sumdac|Sari]] tells him where human babies come from, and later brings up the inconsistency when Sari's own origins are revealed.

On the flip-side, in IDW continuity, female Transformers are specifically created by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. By altering fundamental [[CNA]], Jhiaxus introduced gender to the species from a malevolent curiosity about what would happen. The depth of the change in this case is unknown; is it limited to appearance and mentality or does it go deeper? If he was truly trying to see how females would affect the evolution of the species it is possible Arcee was created with the capability for some analog of sexual reproduction in mind, but given his abandonment of the experiment and Arcee's resultant unbalanced mental state it seems unlikely the depth of the change will be explored.

In the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'' episode]] "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]", [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] joked with [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]], asking him if he had heard that humans multiplied. Ratchet was expecting her and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] to bring back two humans. When they brought back three, Arcee had implied that the teenagers had reproduced since then.
{{-}}

== Familial relationships ==
[[Image:PrimeDirective4 Cover SunstreakerSideswipe.jpg|left|150px|thumb|The Doublemint Twins they're not.]]
One confusing aspect of this apparent lack of sexual reproduction is the canonical use of genealogical terminology to describe certain relationships. The most common of these is when two Transformers regard each other as siblings: "brothers" (e.g. ''Generation 1's'' [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] or ''Robots in Disguise'''s [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]) or "sisters" ([[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]).

Again, the Dreamwave ''More than Meets the Eye'' guide provides a partial possible answer. According to the guide, when a spark naturally splits as it's being introduced to a protoform, it creates two robots who are "brothers", such as Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. When such a spark division is artificially induced, the pair created are referred to as "[[Cloning|clones]]". (This definition of "brother" may or may not apply to RID Prime and Magnus, whose brotherhood was said to result from the special circumstance of having been created simultaneously by Alpha Trion).

However, the "[[Beast Era|Beast era]]" widened the issue of reproduction with Rattrap referring to his "great-aunt" [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and in general the practice of Maximals and Predacons referring to the Autobots and Decepticons as their respective "ancestors", as well as themselves as being their "descendants", implying a direct genetic (for want of a better term) lineage. Various sources of debatable canonicity suggest that [[Optimus Primal]] is specifically descended from [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], usually through the phrase "[his] ancestor Optimus Prime".

In the absence of sexual reproduction, the use and meaning of these genealogical references is difficult to explain. One possible explanation might be a situation such as when [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] is brought to life in ''Beast Wars''. Her [[spark]] and [[protoform]] are heavily damaged, and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] allows some of his parts to be used as replacements while [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] guides the procedure. To compare to humans, this is something like assisting with childbirth and donating blood or organs. It is unlikely that this happened enough to cause "descendants" as they are described, however. The term may also be used in an ideological sense or even a technological sense, much as the CD or MP3 player is, in a way, a "descendant" of the gramophone.

[[Image:Linkage7_Twirl-Baby.jpg|250px|right|thumb|So, think Social Services handle cases like these often?]]
Other family designations exist as well. [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] has "parents" that were lost in his crash on [[Quintessa]], according to some background material. The aforementioned Mini-Con Twirl very specifically calls Falcia her "mother" (which Falcia ''hates'') and seems to treat Redline like a father, since the two's spark frame energies went into constructing her physical form. In the ''Armada'' cartoon, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] refers to [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] as his brother after Hot Shot saves his life, suggesting at least an understanding of the concept; on the other hand, the ''Armada'' cartoon is originally Japanese, and in Japan, 'brother' and 'sister' can be used as terms of affection or respect to an unrelated person. The [[Unicron Trilogy]] universe has also used the term "cousin" for certain Transformers on occasion. The Japanese Generation 1 ''Victory'' manga features Decepticon wives and children. Even the live-action movie features an Optimus and Megatron who are brothers, and it is mentioned in the related Nintendo DS game that Megatron "took the spark" of their father.

'''''See also:''' [[Relatives]]''
{{-}}

== Toys ==
[[Image:Classics cosmos concept.gif|right|250px|thumb|Echography of a sadly aborted Transformer.... Yes, those things happen.]]
In the real-life continuity, when two toy manufacturing companies love each other very much, [[Hasbro|one of them]] may start shooting Transformer design propositions to the [[TakaraTomy|other one]]. There, during several months of gestation, engineers will work on those designs, which will be developed into functional and manufacturable Transformers. Once the Transformer is ready to be produced, its design will be sent to marketing and ultimately to the chain manufacturer for the delivery. Voilà! A new Transformer is born!
{{-}}

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]

Humanization

2011-11-16T12:24:15Z

98.94.183.20: /* Aging */ Clarified.

Throughout the various Transformers canon, there have been several instances of Transformers with humanistic traits and having very human actions that possibly conflict with their status as mechanical robots. Many of these instances can be dismissed as stylistic choices by the artists or as gags not to be taken seriously.

==Glandular, digestive, and respiratory==
===Sweating===
[[Image:LandsharkWOH-energondelivery.jpg|right|thumb|180px|]]

* In [[Prime Time!|issue twelve]] of the original [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Generation 1'' comic]], [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] is seen leaking lubricant from his head during a stressful confrontation with [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (as Shockwave points out), in a manner resembling sweating.
* Numerous times in the Marvel UK comic, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] can be seen "sweating".
* ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' and ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' featured Transformers displaying the traditional anime "sweat drop", a giant bead of liquid appearing at the side of the head to convey embarrassment or exasperation.
* [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] sweatdrops upon seeing a particularly scary expression on [[Lori]]'s face. {{storylink|Ambush}}
* [[Leozack]] sweatdrops oil when [[Landshark]] attacks him. {{storylink|Wings of Honor}}

===Coughing===
* In the G1 episode "[[Roll for It]]", when the Autobots emerge from the ruins of a demolished [[antimatter]] laboratory, they are coughing.
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] coughs when [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] surrounds him with smoke.{{storylink|Triple Takeover}}
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] coughs while infected with Cosmic Rust. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}
* In "[[Call of the Primitives]]", a fiery blast from [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] causes both the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] to cough.
* In ''Beast Wars'', [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] begins to cough for no reason while making a triumphant speech. Much like Powerglide's "heart", this could be a one-shot joke. He also coughs while sleeping, and when amidst the smoky remains of an electrical fire.
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] fake-coughed in the episode "[[Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege]]" of the [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|''Beast machines'' cartoon]] to draw [[Optimus Primal]]'s attention to the matter of [[Noble]].
* In the ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' episode "[[Secret Weapon: D-5]]", [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], [[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]], and [[Dark Scream]] all cough after inhaling smoke.
* In the ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' episode "[[Mortal Combat]]", right after Optimus Prime says "I wish I could accommodate you," he coughs silently.
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] visibly coughs after [[Sam Witwicky]] uses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to restore him to life in ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', even expelling what appears to be dust.
* On [[Rock Bottom]], [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] coughs after escaping the collapsed mine. Ironically, Bulkhead later claims ''in the same episode'' that Autobots don't need to breathe.

===Breathing===
On ''[http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation Star Trek: The Next Generation]'', it was explained that the android [http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/Data Data]'s breathing served to cool his inner components, but mostly so that he doesn't appear unnatural to the humans he was designed to resemble. He also blinks for this reason. It could be argued that breathing serves the same "cooling" purpose in Transformers, but this explanation is always going to smack of desperation.

* In an ''Energon'' episode, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] instructs [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] that they have to synchronize their breathing before they can [[Powerlinx|powerlink]].
* At the climax of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] tries to strangle [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], complete with sounds of Hot Rod gagging and struggling to breathe. It's possible that Galvatron was trying to compress Hot Rod's neck until the Autobot's head popped off, but that isn't likely.
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], calling for help as a python constricts him, says he can't breathe. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}
* [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] is shown to be breathing heavily after trying to chase down Blurr, even though he quips in a previous episode that not needing to breathe is useful for an Autobot. {{storylink|Velocity}}
* On the [[Nemesis (ROTF)| Nemesis]], [[Megatron (Movie)| Megatron]] and [[Starscream (Movie)| Starscream's]] breath can be seen due to condensation in the cold ship. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] breathes heavily as he runs in fear from [[Chaos (alien)|Chaos]] and the slave mines on [[Dread (planet)|Dread]]. {{storylink|Chaos (episode)|Chaos}}
* [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] is visibly breathing while in stasis. {{storylink|Deus ex Machina}}
* "[[A Team Effort]]" comfirms that Transformers require ventilation airways in their neck to prevent system overheating, as when [[Charger]] strangles [[Roadgrabber]] in a fit of rage.

===Spitting===
* Throughout his term on the Marvel UK comic letters page, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] would regularly say "(Puttup)" after mentioning the Autobots or an Autobot's name to represent him spitting in disgust. This habit made an in-story appearance, with him spitting at [[Donny Finkleberg|Robot-Master]] despite his [[mouthplate]]. {{storylink|Second Generation!}}
* After [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] escapes from the Decepticons's New Jersey base via a sewer, he spits as he complains about their poor choice of back door.{{storylink|...All This and Civil War 2}}
* In the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Tangled Web]]", [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] "spits" after reissuing his challenge to tangle with [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], despite the fact that, like Soundwave, he has no apparent mouth.
*In ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] repeatedly spits while talking to [[Sam Witwicky]] and his companions. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] also has to spit his mouth clean after being blasted across a forest by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] spits twice: once at Sam while in the [[Broadwater Metal Works]] foundry, and again when he mentions Prime's name. [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] also spits, albeit for no real reason, when addressing Sam and the humans outside of [[Chicago]] in ''[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]].''
* [[Galvatron II|Galvatron II]] is seen spitting and drooling while explaining the situation.{{storylink|Out of Time!}} Both Megatron and Galvatron II are seen both spitting on each other. Gross!.{{storylink|Exodus!}}

===Crying===
[[Image:Omega Supreme tears up.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Tissue: desired.]]

* A twinkle of light that may not literally be a tear, but is clearly intended to imply one, can be seen in [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]'s eye at the end of "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme]]".

* When [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] dies in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] is seen to dab at her eyes.

* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] told his colleagues he was about to "leak optical lubricant" when they wouldn't stop about giving up on [[Operation: Volcano]]. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

* In "[[The Burden Hardest to Bear]]", [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] has tears falling from his eyes, presumably in pain, during his monstrous disfigurement after he gains the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]].

* There is a teardrop on young [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]]'s face after being beaten by Deathsaurus. {{storylink|The Star of Friendship, Jean and Star Saber!}}

* At the end of "[[Heroic! The Victory War]]", some Decepticons are crying over their defeat.

* As he mourns his dead friend [[Snowstalker]] and decides he can never fight again, [[Tigatron]] cries a single tear in beast mode.

* [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] wiped a fake tear when [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] put on the heroic act. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

* When pondering [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]'s fate in ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] is shown to shed a single tear from one of her spider eyes. This may be due to her technoganic nature though. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery}}

[[Image:Bw2 ep6 twinwaterfalls.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Surf's up—and I'm talkin' ''up''!]]

* Throughout ''[[Beast Wars II (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'', and occasionally in the ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon, several characters are seen crying in hyperbolic anime fashion.

* Tears can be seen welling up in [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]]'s eyes and falling to the ground in ''[[Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' as he mourns a fallen comrade.

* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] told [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] to "cry him a river". {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}}

* Ratchet ''actually'' cries tears of defeat when outwitted by Megatron. {{storylink|Warrior School!}}

* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] cries over [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s death in [[The Art of War issue 5|''The Art of War'' #5]].

* In ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers: Animated]]'', [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] cries, though this "ability" could be part of her partially organic nature. {{storylink|Along Came a Spider}}

* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] cries after [[Sam Witwicky]] tells him cars are not allowed on campus, although he was exaggerating his sorrow and was likely deliberately leaking fluids to enhance the visual. ''{{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}''

* [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] was crying in the corner for not being in the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron|War for Cybertron]] game. [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] had to talk to him. Again. {{Storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.12#Law and Disorder|Law and Disorder}}

===Eating===
[[Image:Optimusprime-mom.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Probably contains [[energon (fuel)|energon goodies]] in the shape of a happy face.]]

* There are references to [[Cybertronian food]].

* [[Skullcruncher]] has been known to eat Autobots as well as humans and other organics, despite not needing to do so to survive. Other Decepticons are disgusted by this practice.

* There are Pepsi and [[Destron Pizza|pizza]] in the refrigerator in [[Pepsi Convoy]]'s home.

* In ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', the Maximals and Predacons are shown to eat:
**[[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] even displays something of a voracious appetite, eating rats and leaving webs to catch prey. At one point, he captures Cheetor and prepares to drain the Maximal's fluids, claiming that it is the act he prefers over the nourishment (which adds just another level of creepy to the already creepy Tarantulas). {{storylink|The Web}}
**[[Rattrap]] eats apples. {{storylink|The Web}}
**And garbage {{storylink|The Web}}
**[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] eats a bird. {{storylink|Power Surge}}
**[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] eats [[Clone One|his clone]]. [[Optimus Primal]] remarks that he is "disgusting". {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}
**While suffering from an [[Energon discharge virus]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] eats wild beans to build up his power. This later ends disastrously for [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|The Low Road}}
* In ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', [[Optimus Primal]] wants to eat the underground tree's fruit; [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] protests that "we don't eat food, we process [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]—PERIOD!", but is overruled. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}
* According to [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] eats [[Autobot]] [[Protoform]]s for breakfast. But of course that could just be a rumour. {{Storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}
* [[Brains]] is seen chewing on a screw, while [[Igor]] and the [[hatchling]]s are clearly shown to be ingesting minerals. {{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)}}

===Flatulence===
* In the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[The Low Road]]", Rhinox lets out an extreme amount of flatulence after consuming wild bean vines. This could be due to Maximals having organic parts in their makeup.
* In the ''Beast Wars'' episode "[[Bad Spark]]", [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] also lets out flatulence, blaming it on a large buildup of energy from his [[Transmetal]] body.
* Just go watch ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. Happens every five minutes. You can set a clock by it.
* One of the [[Mini-Constructicon]]s "cuts one", causing the others to laugh and request someone to open a window in "[[Spotlight: Ramjet]]".

===Urination===
* [[Tasmania Kid]] urinates (in beast mode) to put out a fire.
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] performs a similar action on [[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]] by popping off his automobile oil filter in robot mode. Optimus Prime claims that 'Bee is just leaking lubricants on him. Presumably, this action was inspired from witnessing a [[Mojo|similar incident]].
* [[Scoop (SG)|Scoop]] apparently urinates himself in [[Do Over]]
* In Beast Wars II, [[DJ (BWII)|DJ]] is known for wetting himself whenever he drinks too much oil.

===Defecation===
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] defecates on [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in ''[[Robo-Capers]]'' from Marvel UK issue [[Robo-Capers issue 87|#87]].

===Blushing===
[[Image:SeaChange Seaspray Blush.JPEG|right|thumb|180px|]]
* In the G1 episode "[[Sea Change]]", [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] has his whole face turn bright red, even before he jumps into the [[Well of Transformation|Well of Transformation]] and gets turned into a humanoid.
* ''Transformers Animated'' Bumblebee has also been shown to be able to blush in a few episodes. {{storylink|Home Is Where the Spark Is}} {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}}
*''Transformers Cybertron'' Override blushes when speaking to Lori, which is an indication of the character's original male gender in ''Galaxy Force''. {{storylink|Honor}}

===Intoxication===
* In the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|G1 cartoon]] episode "[[Microbots]]", the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] behaving in a noticeably intoxicated fashion after consuming high-grade [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] refers to this as "over-energizing".
* In the UK comic, the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] frequent a "bar" on Cybertron called [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]], where they consume high-grade energon, presumably for the purposes of getting intoxicated. [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] and [[Darkwing]] pay a visit to this establishment in a later story, and get so hammered that they don't even notice [[Quickswitch]] fighting with some [[Mecannibal]]s.
* In ''Beast Wars II'', [[Galvatron (BWII)|Galvatron]] gets "drunk" on numerous occasions.
* In the ''Beast Wars II'' manga, [[Lio Convoy]] gets drunk once and messes up [[Apache]]'s room.{{storylink|Recover the Bonds Lost!}}
* The [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicons]] in ''Animated'', whose personalities are shout-outs to construction worker stereotypes, seem to drink oil the way humans drink beer. However, they never actually get drunk.
**However, the Autobots did feel dizzy after a mini Soundwave spiked the oil nog. {{storylink|Human Error, Part I}}

===Miscellaneous===
[[Image:Cigarchomping.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Bet it's imported from Cubatron.]]
* [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] once gets a cold, causing him to cough and have a fever, in an issue of the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|''Victory'' manga]]. {{storylink|The Star of Friendship, Jean and Star Saber!}}

* [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] got a bump on his head after being hit by Deathsaurus with a staff when they were young boys. {{storylink|The Star of Friendship, Jean and Star Saber!}}

* In ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'', [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] chomps on a [[cigar|cy-gar]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron}}

* ''Transformers Animated'' [[Bumblebee (Animated)| Bumblebee]] has bandages wrapped around his middle after Sari is knocked out and the Autobots return to their base. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

* ''Transformers Animated'' [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] wore a cast over his arm after being hit by a falling building. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}}

{{-}}

==Body parts==
===Mouths/teeth/tongues===
{{Main|Teeth}}
{{Main|Tongue}}
{{Main|Mouthplate}}

* The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon series]] is the only major piece of fiction to ''not'' present Transformers as possessing [[teeth]] and/or [[Tongue|tongues]]. The features appear in both the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] and [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comics, [[The Battlestars (manga)|''The Battlestars'' manga]], the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' animated series (where teeth would even be knocked out on occasion), the ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' cartoon, and the [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons and comics.

* In an episode of [[Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]], [[Browning]] sticks his tongue out at [[Wilder]] and [[Bullhorn]] after they insult [[Cancer (Masterforce)|Cancer]].

*In the [[live-action film series]], the more human-like the robot, the more they are likely to have teeth. In the case of, say, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], his teeth are mechanical cubes overlaid on each other, while [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] has bona fide fangs. Optimus spits out a piece of his shattered faceplate in the second film, which is intended to resemble a boxer spitting out a tooth after a brutal match. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

* One of the most prevalent examples of this tradition is the [[Kiss Players (manga)|''Kiss Players'' manga]], in which a [[Legion]] character is equipped with a distinctive prehensile (and phallic) tongue.

===Eyeballs/eyelashes===
[[Image:AutoBerserk OptimusPrime closedeyes.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Oh, my eyes!!]]

* Most Transformers have eyes. They see with them.
* In the episode "[[Auto Berserk]]", Optimus Prime's eyes are closed (apparently to shield them against the smoke) much like a human's when the Autobots stagger out of the fire and smoke of the Negavator's destruction.
* While dying from life force depletion, [[Elita One]] occasionally closes her eyes. {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}}
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] clench their eyes shut when their ship is grabbed by a claw. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}}
* Cyclonus also closes his eyes when Galvatron is about to go through the [[Alya]] treatment and he cannot bear to watch. {{storylink|Webworld}}
* [[Lyzack]] sports some pretty heavy-duty eyelashes for her brief appearance in the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|Victory]]'' manga. So does [[Esmeral (Victory)|Esmeral]]. {{storylink|Heroic! The Victory War}}
* In [[Spotlight: Hot Rod]], Hot Rod is shown to have what appears to be blast shields for his optics when he passes out after landing. Dealer's optics are mostly covered by his eyelids, so he looks half-passed out. ''Per an email query to IDW, their response is that Transformers do not have eyelids, that it's just artistic license.''
* The robots in the [[live-action film series]] have eyes designed to resemble cameras, enabling them to dilate and blink.
* ''Animated'' [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] has eyelids. He also blinks frequently.
* The cyborg [[GoBots (franchise)|GoBots]], as portrayed in the animated cartoon, do in fact possess eyelids (when the eyes aren't covered by a visor) and frequently blink. Some also have visible pupils.
* Most robots in ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' possess camera-like eyes similar to those seen in the live-action films, which dilate, contract, and blink in a highly human-like fashion. Notably, they also replicate the involuntary, back-and-forth movements of the human eye when idle.

<center><gallery>
Image:Esmeral-manga.jpg
Image:LyzackEyelashes01.jpg|About 15 gallons of mascara for those things.
Image:HotRodOpticShields.jpg|Hey, wake up!
Image:Dealerseyelids.jpg|Got munchies?
</gallery></center>

===Obesity===
Although Transformers come in all shapes and sizes anyway, some characters have particularly round appearances that suggest something equivalent to human obesity.

* In [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|Grim Grams #94]], [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] mentioned that [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] weighs a little over 90 tons and "could stand to lose a little around the fuel storage system".
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] complained that the Decepticons had grown "fat and complacent" under [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s rule. {{storylink|Surrender!}}
* [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] is virtually as wide as he is tall and is depicted as extremely round, with very short, stubby legs. It gives him more than a passing resemblance to a heavily obese person, or at best one of those huge, flabby, off-season wrestlers.
* Much the same could be said of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Being big-chassised is no excuse to let yourself go.
* [[Ratchet (Animated)|''Animated'' Ratchet]] has a prominent gut that resembles a human paunch. Although ordinarily this might be considered merely a feature of his transformation scheme (ala [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]), he is specifically designed to be a crotchety "old man" character, and in flashback sequences to his younger days in the Great War, he notably ''lacks'' said paunch.
* [[Gnaw]]. Well, all the [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], really, but seriously. It's kind of comically appropriate that the robots which do absolutely nothing but hang out and eat stuff all day are so roly-poly.
* [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] has a set of metal plates that form the front of his Alt-mode forming a sort of "beer gut" on his abdomen.

===Masculine characteristics===
====Facial hair====
{{Main|Facial hair}}

* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], [[Unicron]], and [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] all sport "facial hair" in the G1 cartoon. In addition to that, ''Energon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]], the films' Optimus (who has a goatee), [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] and [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] and ''Animated''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]], [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]], and [[Wreck-Gar (Animated)|the other Wreck-Gar]] all have varying amounts of facial hair. (The last of these was modeled after [["Weird Al" Yankovic|his voice actor's]] own, prior to his appearance's overhaul.) The Shattered Glass versions of [[Alpha Trion (SG)|Alpha Trion]] and [[Rodimus Prime (SG)|Rodimus Prime]] also have "facial hair", probably as a homage to Evil Spock's appearance in Star Trek.
* Many characters in the live-action series have facial hair, like [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]],[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel]] and [[Fallen |Fallen]].

====Nuts, Bolts and Screws====
[[Image:LightfootDramaticEncounter Gilmer's injury.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
* [[Gilmer]] got rammed in his crotch by [[Lightfoot]], causing it to become red and Gilmer to clutch it, groaning he got "kicked in the balls". {{storylink|Lightfoot: A Dramatic Encounter}}

* [[Rattrap]] kicks [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] in the groin, causing apparent pain and giving him a high-pitched voice. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}}

* [[Stampy (BWN)|Stampy]] once suggested a kick to the "unmentionables" as a workable battle tactic. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 3|The Ascending #3}}

* [[Heinrad]] has a set in [[Beast mode|tanuki mode]]. Since tanuki are known for their massive testicles, his equipment's existence actually makes sense.

* [[Flareup (Timelines)|Flareup]] interpreted the word "[[AllSpark Key|key]]" in "[[Wikipedia:Ghostbusters|keymaster]]" a little differently than [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] intended. {{storylink|Bee in the City}}

* [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] has a pair of dangling wrecking balls in a... very unfortunate place. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

* [[Dickbot the blender guy|Blenderbot]] has a... well... [[:Image:Appliancebots2.jpg|just look for yourself (NSFW?)]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

===Feminine characteristics===
[[Image:CrossingtheRubicron-newbody.jpg|right|230px|thumb|I'd tap it like the fist of an angry god.]]
{{main|Female Transformer}}

====Breasts====
Some female Transformers, such as [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and [[Elita One]] (not to mention the ''other'' [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] and [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Elita-1]]) have a protruding chest area that bears no apparent relation to their alt mode [[kibble]], but bears some vague resemblance to clothed human breasts, or a "monoboob", if you will. Some females even have two separate and even more distinctly rounded breast-like protuberances, particularly in their fictional depictions. [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], [[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]] and [[Beta (G1)|Beta]] all fall into this category. One, [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)| Thunderblast]], even has [[:Image:ThunderblastBoobsAndNipples01.jpg|visible nipples]]. ''(You're going to look, aren't you...?)''

====Lips====
[[Image:G1 Silverbolt cartoon.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Though not female, [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]'s got <s>sexy</s> nice lips.]]
Another common feature to denote gender in female Transformers is distinctly fuller, plumper lips than is standard, such as Blackarachnia's in ''Beast Wars''. Sometimes, however, they will additionally have red or otherwise different/darker coloration to their lips, with an evident similarity to human lipstick. Such paint-mouthed femmes include Blackarachnia in ''Beast Machines'', her [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|''Animated'' cousin]], and the [[Female Autobots|G1 Female Autobots]].

As far as males go, none of them have differently colored lips, but some do have noticeably thicker lips. Generation 1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Orion Pax]], [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]], [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] and [[Shōki]], for instance, have lips that can easily compete with the females', as does [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|''Animated'' Optimus Prime]].

====Hips====
[[Image:SpacePirates Arcee Bunsofsteel.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Dan Reed, you perv.]]

Alike to humans, many a female Transformer has a distinctly more curving hipstructure.

:''See also the '''[[Humanization#Sexuality|Sexuality]]''' section below.

{{--}}

===Questionable body parts===
[[Image:Powerglide heart.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Not [[Wikipedia:Astroboy|Astroboy]], we swear!]]

* Nearly all Transformers seem to possess noses for no discernible functional reason, ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' characters and movieverse [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] being exceptions. Movie [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] also notes that he can smell [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] when the latter is trying to escape from him, and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] remarks that he can "smell" [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]]. This would seem to imply that movieverse Transformers have a form of olfactory systems. The idea of noses is somewhat 'fixed' in ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Transformers Prime]]'' by having the noses be a visible part of the robot's helmet as opposed to being part of their face.

* At the end of the G1 episode "[[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide]]", [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] is seen to have the LED outline of a cartoon heart within his chassis. This is somewhat nonsensical even within in the context of the show (the contents of Transformers chest cavities had been shown several times before), and is doubtless merely meant as a one-off sight gag.

* Although listed separately above, breasts and "nuts, bolts and screws" would also fit under this category quite well, seeing as there doesn't appear to be any use for them on Transformers, other than to show them off.

;Brains
[[Image:PredaBrain1.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Predaking: All brawn AND brains!]]

* [[Predaking]] has an organic brain when he is sliced in half in the [[Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!|''Zone'' cartoon]].

* [[Unicron]] also has an organic brain in the G.I. Joe crossover, [[Black Horizon, Part 2 of 2|Black Horizon Part 2]]. Later handwaved by explaining that the particular Unicron in the crossover came from the [[universal stream]] Gargent 984.08 Alpha and had taken on an organic brain in a similar fashion as the native [[Go-Bots]].
{{-}}

==Other biological functions==
===Sleep===
* In the G1 comic, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] plays a prank on [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] while he is in "rest mode." {{storylink|Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Trailbreaker's ''Universe'' profile}} [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] falls asleep and dreams (or rather, has a nightmare), an experience Prime refers to as an "involuntary systems shutdown". {{storylink|Back from the Dead}} Kup later attempts to rouse a vision-struck Optimus Prime by urging him to "wake up"—then reminds himself that "we don't sleep!" {{storylink|The Power and the Glory}} When [[Donny Finkleberg]] remarks that unlike machines, humans need to rest, [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] informs him Transformers need to as well to conserve fuel. Skids also has an on/off button in his dashboard. {{storylink|Heavy Traffic!}}
* In the Japanese [[The Headmasters (cartoon)|''The Headmasters'' cartoon]], [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] is able to use a form of hypnotism on the Autobots, which can include lulling them to sleep.
* This ability is also shown by [[Hellbat (Victory)|Hellbat]] in the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|''Victory'' cartoon]].
* In ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', it has been firmly established that (perhaps partially due to their organic components), all Transformers within the cartoon sleep. Some prime examples of this are:
**Megatron has been shown to sleep in the command chair of the ''Darksyde'', while his dino head mounted on the end of his arm stays awake, looks around, and smiles slyly. Wonder what it thinks about...
** Cheetor has been shown asleep at many points, complete with (occasionally prophetic) dreams. In "[[Feral Scream Part 2]]", he also purrs when he's asleep. How cute!
** In "[[Call of the Wild]]", the Maximals are kept awake for two days by the Predacons' non-stop attacks on their base, which exacerbate their beast instincts overriding their logic circuits.
* In ''Beast Wars II'', [[Galvatron (BWII)|Galvatron]] often nods off in a narcoleptic-like fashion.
* In the ''Beast Wars II'' manga, Lio Convoy sleeps and has a nightmare at one point.
* ''Armada'' [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is quite fond of catching forty winks when possible. [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] does the same on one occasion. Armada Megatron is also seen asleep twice in the episode "Rebellion".
* ''Animated'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] enters a form of sleep he calls a "stasis nap", during which he gets several parking tickets. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}
* Also in ''Animated'', when the Autobots feel tired after drinking an oil-nog (which Soundwave had spiked), they decide to go to sleep, pardon, to take a stasis nap. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] even yawns. {{storylink|Human Error, Part I}}

===Aging===
{{main|Life cycle}}
Some Transformers have been depicted as aging.

* [[Image:Alpha Trion through the epochs.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]][[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] has been depicted in three different eras: 11 million years in the past, 9 million years in the past, and the present day. Though his [[character model]] undergoes many changes, his facial hair changes seem to mimic human aging. In his (chronologically) earliest depiction, he has a small black mustache. In his second depiction, his mustache has turned white. By the modern era, he sports a long mustache and beard.

* The [[Overlord (rank)|Overlord]] was so old that his body needed a regular energy supply to keep him functioning. {{storylink|State Games}}

[[Image:MangaYoungDeathyStarSaber.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Young and Innocent]]
* [[Xaaron]] couldn't transform anymore because he was old.

* In an issue of the Marvel UK G1 comics, Kup's systems are going to shut down because he is too old.

* [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] and [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] are depicted in flashbacks as "child" Transformers, complete with childlike temperaments. {{storylink|The Star of Friendship, Jean and Star Saber!}}

* [[Cohrada]] is depicted as "child" in his flashback in the issue "[[A Battle Fought Alone]]".

* Movieverse [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] has a cane and is rusting. Some parts even fall off him when he transforms!

* [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] claimed to have been a classic car when he was younger, and a tricycle when he was younger. While he was lying, his story was plausible enough for [[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]]. On the other hand, Slapper is an idiot.

{{-}}

===Sexuality===
[[Image:Sideburnhearts.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Sorry, Side Burn, I don't think Wedge rolls that way.]]
{{Main|Transformer romance}}
{{Main|Reproduction}}

One of the most controversial aspects of Transformers is the idea of sexuality. While it is established in most continuities that Transformers do not reproduce sexually, most continuities nonetheless have distinctive male and [[Female Transformer|female characters]] and sometimes drops a hint Transformers may engage in (recreational) sex.

The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] brought the first official female Transformers into the canon, including [[Elita One]] and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]. The characters are noticeably more feminine in design and some have clearly defined romantic relationships with male Transformers. In contrast, such relations between two individuals of the same gender are [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|virtually]] unheard of.

{{--}}
==Accents==
{{Main|Accents}}

==See also==
* [[:Category:Transformer anatomy|Transformer anatomy]]
* [[Anatomic euphemism]]
* [[Relatives]]
* [[Transformer clothing|Clothing]]

==External links==
* [http://transfans.co.uk/comics_guide_detail.php?id=106&page=5 Transformers #94 Letters Page on Transfans.co.uk]

[[Category:Transformer anatomy]]