Chapter E, Problem 1DQ

Is There Life Elsewhere? After considering all the evidence to date about the possibility of extraterrestrial life, do you believe it is likely that we'll find microbial life elsewhere? Do you believe it is likely that we'll find intelligent life elsewhere? Defend your opinions, using arguments based on the full range of scientific issues discussed in this book.

To determine

If microbial life is possible elsewhere and chances of intelligent life.

Answer to Problem 1DQ

There is a possibility of existence of microbial life elsewhere due to common elements around universe and also various conditions on earth indicates similar condition in universe making human belief for possibility of microbial life. Intelligent life is also possible in universe.

Explanation of Solution

There is a great possibility of microbial life in universe.

Various evidences for such possibilitiesare as follows:

• The elements that are found on earth are very common in universe and carbon molecules which help in life formation can also be formed easily.
• Life on earth was possible even under harsh conditions which were supposed to be harmful. All these adverse condition made life adaptable to the changes in them with changing condition. These similar conditions are common in all over universe with less variation which makes humans belief that life can exist in universe.
• Earth became habitable after long time of formation of universe. This makes it evitable that there might be other planets too that had life on them.

According to the books it is believed aliens would be much advanced from human civilization. They will be intelligent and more superior. Some books even suggested aliens would come to help and solve problems of human.

Conclusion:

Thus, There is a possibility of existence of microbial life elsewhere due to common elements around universe and also various conditions on earth indicates similar condition in universe making human belief for possibility of microbial life. Intelligent life is also possible in universe.