Avatar (species)
An Avatar (Na'vi name: unil-tìran-tokx translates "dream walk body") is a human mind transferred into a genetically engineered body of a human/Na'vi hybrid. Humans use this method because they cannot live on Pandora without breathing gear, because the atmosphere is toxic, containing lethal levels of ammonia, methane and chlorine. The Consortium is trying to bridge the cultural gap with the aboriginal population, which has been difficult to communicate and negotiate with. The Na'vi refer to them as "Dream Walkers" or "Demons in a false body".
They have recently started a program called AVATAR where scientists take DNA from a Na'vi, and from a selected human volunteer. On Earth, in company genetics labs, they create an in-vitro embryo, which is a genetic composite of the alien and human donor.
The recombinant embryo is grown in-vitro during the flight to Pandora, which takes 3 years (ship-time/ 5 years Earth time). In that time it reaches near adult size, since the locals mature fast.
When it is "born" (or more properly decanted) as a post-adolescent, it looks like a Na'vi, and can live comfortably on Pandora, but it has enough human neurophysiology to be used as an Avatar, or surrogate body. The human volunteer then becomes a Controller. Using Psionic Link technology, the human controller can remotely control the avatar body out in the wilds of Pandora. The controller receives all sensory input, and provides all motor control to the body.
Essentially, the controller lives through the avatar, and is completely unaware of his own body while linked. Each avatar is genetically keyed to its respective human controller. By communicating with the locals through these avatars, which are less alien to them, the RDA has had some success teaching them English and basic skills.
Some known differences between the Avatars and real Na'vi is that the Na'vi have 4 digits (three fingers and a thumb) on their hands whereas the Avatars (due to their human DNA) have 5. They also have eyebrows, which the Na'vi lack. The Avatars also display slightly more human-like body structures than the Na'vi. This is especially noticeable when comparing the build of Jake Sully to that of the male Na'vi of the Omaticaya Clan: Jake's body structure is noticeably sturdier than that of the more willowy Na'vi. Additionally the eyes of an Avatar are usually smaller and more human like in contrast to the large, lemur-like eyes of the Na'vi.
It is possible, using the unique biology of Pandora and guided by the Na'vi, for a human to transfer their concious mind permanently to that of the Avatar body. It is first attempted to try and save Grace Augustine's life, but the transfer fails due to her injuries. It is next attempted on Jake Sully, after he has lead the Na'vi to victory against the RDA and driven them (with some exceptions) off Pandora. The movie concludes with his human body being exposed to the planets atmosphere, and his Avatar body opening it's eyes, suggesting that the transformation had succeeded.
