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Externally, Betazoids are among the most humanoid species on record, and are indistinguishable from humans in every aspect. They can reproduce with humans, although this often dilutes the telepathic abilities of the offspring. The children of such a union often develop empathic rather than full telepathic abilities, though they can still communicate telepathically with their Betazoid parent and a bonded mate. Full Betazoids are unable to read the minds of Ferengi, [[Breen]], [[Ullian]]s, [[Dopterian]]s, or [[Changeling]]s due to their unusual brain lobe formations, but some half Betazoids have been occasionally successful in sensing the emotions of these species.
The telepathic and empathic abilities of Betazoids need strict discipline to control and confine to oneself. In more mature Betazoids, medical conditions such as ''Zanthi fever'' can occur and a breakdown of control mechanism allows empathic thought to influence surrounding people. [[Lwaxana Troi|Ambassador Troi]] had once been aboard [[Deep Space Nine9]] when she was under the influence of the fever and she unwittingly projected her emotions onto those in close proximity to her for the duration of her condition. For even the most disciplined Betazoid, the ability to feel what thousands of people are feeling can be too much, and a mental block must be firmly placed between the Betazoid and the outside sources.
There are also cases of over-empathic abilities, and those who suffer from such extremes must be counselled and trained to avoid insanity, but are almost always affected throughout their life. Betazoids are actually uncomfortable around those, like the Ferengi and Breen, whose minds they cannot read. Similarly, the minds of animals can be a bit frightening to them, and they tend to prefer smaller animals.
