Anthropomorphism
Now, there is a nasty word.
Function: noun
: an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics : HUMANIZATION
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2006. http://www.merriam-webster.com (18 Dec. 2006).
In particular, anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics and qualities to non-human beings, objects, natural, or supernatural phenomena.
Why such a pompous lecture?
Because xenomorphs are not human beings.
Xenomorphs are beasts, monsters. They start their life as parasitoids. They evolve to become near-humanoids, but remain primordial in nature.
From the movies, xenomorphs seek to procreate and survive.
It’s unclear whether they feed on humans.
So, xenomorphs are not the opposite of Colonial Marines. They are lethal creatures that complicate any situation.