Near-Human

Near-Humans was the general term for any of the many species in the Galaxy which were very closely related biologically to Humans. In contrast, other humanoid species only had general external similarities to Humans, and had no biological connection. However, the term "humanoid" was sometimes used loosely to described Near-Human species.

All Near-Humans shared close external similarities to Humans, usually with small differences in skin and eye color or bone structure. Biologically, many Near-Humans were capable of interbreeding with baseline Humans. Some were close enough to the Human baseline to be considered a race or ethnic group of Humans, rather than a separate species. Similarly, some Human groups, though differing from the Human mainstream almost entirely in their culture, were considered so distinct that they were sometimes referred to as Near-Human.

Origins
Near-Humans were believed to have descended from Humans that evolved along distinct lines on distant planets, whether via natural mutation or deliberate genetic engineering.

The appearance of Human and Near-Human communities in various planets predating the discovery of the hyperdrive can be explained by supposing that they had already settled colonies via a slower means of space transport. Another explanation is that Humans (or perhaps the Zhell, their ancestors) were taken from their original planet by an ancient race, like the Rakata or the Celestials, and spread through the Galaxy for some reason.

Many Near-Humans were thought, therefore, to have evolved in the most ancient and forgotten colonies, formed at some point before recorded history.

Chiss
The Chiss, a race that dwelt in the Unknown Regions, were a Near-Human people that had pale blue skin, black hair, and red reflective or fluorescent eyes. Their growth cycle differed from Humans, with an early maturation and longer lifespan. In all other aspects they were normal humans: they bled red blood, and the cloning tanks used to clone Human Stormtroopers also worked on Chiss physiology.

Grand Admiral Thrawn was the most famous Chiss.

Hapans
Hapans were a Near-Human race from the Hapes Cluster, an isolated region surrounded by the Transitory Mists barrier. They were exceptionally beautiful, owing to a positive "bottleneck" effect: the region was colonized by pirates who had abducted a number of especially beautiful individuals from across the galaxy. Owing to the brightness (and perpetual day) of their densely-packed star cluster, they had difficulty seeing in dim conditions, and lacked Human nightvision.

Tenel Ka, a Hapan, was also a Jedi in the days of the New Republic.

Miraluka
Miraluka differed from Humans in that they had no eyes, and perceived things through the Force instead of regular vision. For moral reasons, Miraluka hid the appearance of their eyes by wearing a headband, a mask, or similar concealing headgear. As a Force-using species, Miraluka were often quite shocked if shown life not connected to the Force.

Famous Miraluka included Jerec and Visas Marr.

Sith
The Sith 'race' were an interesting case, in that their ancestry includes a non-Human alien group that were genetically tampered with by a group of Human Dark Jedi that settled on their homeworld, to escape from the Galactic Republic during the Hundred Years Darkness. The intermixing of Human and Sith bloodlines, through the use of what became known as Sith Alchemy, created the Sith, with their characteristic red skin and long tentacle 'beards'. Due to their history of association with Dark Side Force users, the word 'Sith' went on to be used by many dark side organizations not connected with the original Sith species.

Vultans
Vultans were native to the planet Vulta. They were physically similar to humans except for their pale olive skin, and a mass of fleshy cartilage folds, ridges, and strands covering the top and back of their heads. These ridges were said to be able to protect the head of the Vultan against most forms of injury.

Zeltrons
Zeltrons were Near-Humans with a completely Human appearance, save for their bright reddish skins, which may or may not have been a result of their sun's highly radioactive rays. They were a rather amorous race, and were (in)famous for their many sculptures and paintings on the subject. They also made great strides in the field of holograms and were responsible for the ones used at Hologram Fun World.

Others
Many other Near-Human races existed, each similar to Humans, but with various distinctive characteristics. These included:
 * Arhans
 * Arkanians
 * Boltrunians
 * Chalactans
 * Chev
 * Epicanthix
 * Etti
 * Firrerreo
 * Keed
 * Kiffar
 * Lorrdians
 * Mirialans
 * Mykes
 * Theelin
 * A white-irised race from Rindao
 * Wroonians

Non-Human parallels
Humans were not the only sentient species to develop into several distinct races. The Duros, for example, gave rise to several Near-Duros races, such as the Neimoidians. There were also Near-Hutt species including the t'landa Til, Yahk-Tosh, Toydarians and the Orooturooans. Other pairs of closely related species included: the Xexto and the Quermians; the Sarkans and the Barabel; the Ranats and the Tintinna; the Wookiees and the Yuzzem; the Ssi-ruuk and P'w'eck; and the Ewoks and Duloks.