racial techs....there has been quite a debate over what is best. as for finding out about them start a game but in the selections give yourself high starting tech and also can see entire tech tree. this will allow you to examine all facilities and components in the game. or if you are patient enough you can read the component.txt and facility.txt files.
here's what i find useful in each tech.
organic - i like the organic armor as it is able to regenerate damage each turn of combat until it is destroyed. also the gestation vats are useful for population growth.
temporal - the temporal shipyard give you an advantage in production but it take a while to get to them as you need temporal tech 4-6.
religous - the talisman allow all direct fire weapons to automatically hit targets in range. the various shrines are also useful. in order of pref for me. nature, war, death, time then fate.
crystalurgy - i like the crystalline restructuring plant as it reduces mtce costs on ships and bases. for combat the energy transmission lens adds to your shield stregth.
psychic - the Allegiance Subverter is a nice way to neutralize your enemy and gain their ships and technology.
hope this helps some.
