Rather than explain how Poly-partner reproduction actually works it is arguably simpler to give a working example. Golaterria, the rough written form of what the species call themselves, is the stereotypical example as the first species of this kind to interact with humanity. The bodies of the Golaterria are mainly gelatinous, the only real form of which coming from an outer membrane that holds an individual together. This would stereotypically imply an asexual method of reproduction. Indeed like most asexual species when they wish to reproduce they start eating excessively. However the home planet of the Golaterria is a hostile place and the habitable space minimal. A Golaterrian never reaches this limit of asexual reproduction on their own so instead they have evolved to emit a pheromone proportional to how full they are. When the air reaches a certian density of this pheromone the outer membrane of those present effectively bursts. The resulting liquid violently thrashing around against itself until such a point the membrane’s form again, resulting in a larger number than those whom started. Those that started the process no longer exist in a traditional sense. Their memories, skills, genetic make up having effectively been redistributed. As if their very existence was placed in a blender and smaller portions taken out to form the next generation. While exact numbers vary between various Poly-partner species the Golaterria specifically require at least two individuals for this bursting to take place. As for an upper limit if it exists the Golaterria do not know of it. It is important to discern that as far as many poly-partner species are concerned this reproduction is not equivalent to death. For some species it is something to share with those you trust. For other species it is something a society as a whole does on a cycle. Such species are very communal. Their very nature enforcing that nothing they have is theirs alone and nothing they gain will remain theirs forever.
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