EXTRATERRESTIAL ORIGINS OF LIFE.

Natalia Marquina Rubio, 1ºB

The theory of the extraterrestrial origin of life is not a well-defined single theory. It is more of an extension of the belief that since random unguided biological evolution on earth is a fact, certainly the same forces would have resulted in life in other places in the universe. Extraterrestrial life is never associated with the possibility that life perhaps could have been created elsewhere if it could be created on earth. If it could be verified that life existed elsewhere in the universe, it would be presented as proof of biological evolution.

The panspermia theory

-Panspermia is the proposal that life forms that can survive the effects of space, such as extremophiles, become trapped in debris that is ejected into space after collisions between planets that harbor life and small Solar System bodies.-This theory was actually first mentioned by Greek Philosopher Anaxagoras around 500 BC.

The panspermia theory

• Panspermia Theory suggests that life seeds came from outer space and planets exchanged life. Panspermia literally means seeds everywhere.

• It also suggests that life could have existed on another planet and moved to Earth. Statistics have showed 7.5% of rocks from Mars reach Earth. The rocks would travel between less than 100 years to 16,000 years and more to get to earth.

• There is intringuing evidence that some hardy bacteria can survive the harsh conditions of space, and even a violent impact on a planetary surface, but panspermia remains very especulative, although there are hints that bugs could exist in space, the’s no direct evidente that they actually do.