Neomorph and Xenomorph Life History Traits

One aspect of A:C i thoroughly enjoyed was the introduction of the Neomorph as a perfect foil to the xenomorph species.

Why?

Life History traits of a species. 

Where the xenomorph's weakness lies, the Neomorph flourishes and visa versa. Together the two species/mutations form the perfect organism.

From an ecologist perspective there are two main types of life history traits in the animal kingdom: r-strategists and K-strategists. 

One could argue the Xenomorph is a K-strategist species. They are slow to reproduce (usually.....unless a plot device demands it), reproduce in smaller numbers with a focus on longevity and survival. They are much more highly developed and formidable than the neomorph. They are also more apex predators and likely territorial. 

The xenomorph's main weakness is their altricial offspring, who are vulnerable, weak and mostly defenceless upon birthing. The juvenile chestburster must escape and hide to develop itself into the killing machine it will become....if its not killed during this stage.

The Neomorph on the other hand are classical r-strategists. They develop rapidly with a quick life-cycle. They prefer to overrun and dominate an ecosystem through numbers rather than individual prowess.

HOWEVER their young are precocial as we see in A:C. They are born capable, independent and ready to defend themselves violently if threatened.

When invading a new ecosystem the Neomorph can rapidly reproduce and thrive with their aggressive violence even upon birth. They will quickly out-compete the indigenous sepcies and pave the way for the apex predator Xenomorph to grow, a species whose juveniles might be picked off in a new ecosystem.

So perhaps we are interpreting David's perfect creation wrong. The two species combined form a perfect invasive species, not on their own, as they both have strength's and weaknesses. 

I appreciate A:C a great deal due to the contrasting Xeno species portrayed in the film. For what the film is, there is a great deal of subtle concepts in this film that people need to take the time to understand, you will find many riches.