Ultras have the power to merge with humans. These chosen individuals are then able to transform into their Ultra counterpart, generally through the use of a special item, most commonly referred to as a "transformation item". This is required due to the fact that Ultras in many continuities cannot survive long in Earth's atmosphere. However, this is not the only option open to the Ultras; like many Alien races in the series, they can take on human forms. Their methods of transformING back into their true forms are generally the same as those Ultras who have Human Hosts, but there are some instances which bring this into question.