The Evolutionary Science Of Extraterrestrial Life

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The Evolutionary Science of Extraterrestrial Life

William C. Brown
The Evolutionary Science of Extraterrestrial Life Book PDF

Author : William C. Brown
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 198 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2001
Category : Science
ISBN : CHI:60842417

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The Evolutionary Science of Extraterrestrial Life by William C. Brown Pdf

The Evolutionary Science of Extraterrestrial Life approaches the evolution of simple, complex and intelligent life forms and technological cultures, anywhere in the universe, from a perspective that is independent of any particular environment, whether that environment is the rocky surface of inner planets like Earth or Mars, the atmosphere of a giant gas planet like Jupiter, moons like our own, or Saturn's Titan, or a gaseous nebula. A series of questions must here be asked. What could such a science tell us about simple life forms, about complex, about intelligent life forms and technological civilizations? What physical, social and psychological characteristics would an intelligent life form have irregardless of how or where it evolved? What are the choke points any environment must challenge and defeat if simple life forms are to evolve into complex forms or complex into intelligent forms? Once intelligent life evolves, how inevitable is its rise to technology? What lies beyond technology as genetic and cyborg frontiers are invaded? Most approaches to these questions involve probabilities in the spirit of the Drake equation or get tangled in the specifics of Earthlike environments, the search for water or the specifics of human evolution. Evolutionary Science simply bypasses such discussions. It is a science one applies to an environment - any environment. Evolutionary Science proposes a series of nine, fundamental scientific principles, based solidly on physics, biological evolution and a precise definition of intelligence. Four new Imperatives are proposed that not only discipline but revolutionize any approach to defining the psychological profile of intelligent life. Thebook concludes with the implications this new science has for a number of critical issues - the nature of Life, Artificial Intelligence, biochemistries, the potential for contact, a Galactic Society - and the God factor.

What Does a Martian Look Like?

Jack Cohen,Ian Stewart
What Does a Martian Look Like Book PDF

Author : Jack Cohen,Ian Stewart
Publisher : Turner Publishing Company
Page : 330 pages
File Size : 50,9 Mb
Release : 2007-08-17
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780470252406

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What Does a Martian Look Like? by Jack Cohen,Ian Stewart Pdf

"A fascinating and useful handbook to both the science and science fiction of extraterrestrial life. Cohen and Stewart are amusing, opinionated, and expert guides. I found it a terrific and informative piece of work-nothing else like it!" -Greg Bear "I loved it." -Larry Niven "Ever wonder about what aliens could be like? The world authority is Jack Cohen, a professional biologist who has thought long and hard about the vast realm of possibilities. This is an engaging, swiftly moving study of alien biology, a subject with bounds and constraints these authors plumb with verve and intelligence." -Gregory Benford "A celebration of life off Earth. A hearteningly optimistic book, giving a much-needed antidote to the pessimism of astrobiologists who maintain that we are alone in the universe-a stance based on a very narrow view of what could constitute life. A triumph of speculative nonfiction." -Dougal Dixon, author of After Man: A Zoology of the Future

The Biological Universe

Steven J. Dick
The Biological Universe Book PDF

Author : Steven J. Dick
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 542 pages
File Size : 41,8 Mb
Release : 1999-12-28
Category : Science
ISBN : 052166361X

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The Biological Universe by Steven J. Dick Pdf

Throughout the twentieth century, from the furor over Percival Lowell's claim of canals on Mars to the sophisticated Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, otherworldly life has often intrigued and occasionally consumed science and the public. Does 'biological law' reign throughout the universe? Are there other histories, religions, and philosophies outside of those on Earth? Do extraterrestrial minds ponder the mysteries of the universe? The attempts to answer these often asked questions form one of the most interesting chapters in the history of science and culture, and The Biological Universe is the first book to provide a rich and colorful history of those attempts during the twentieth century. Covering a broad range of topics, including the search for life in the solar system, the origins of life, UFOs, and aliens in science fiction, Steven J. Dick shows how the concept of extraterrestrial intelligence is a world view of its own, a 'biophysical cosmology' that seeks confirmation no less than physical views of the universe.

Astrobiology

Akihiko Yamagishi,Takeshi Kakegawa,Tomohiro Usui
Astrobiology Book PDF

Author : Akihiko Yamagishi,Takeshi Kakegawa,Tomohiro Usui
Publisher : Springer
Page : 465 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2019-02-27
Category : Science
ISBN : 9789811336393

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Astrobiology by Akihiko Yamagishi,Takeshi Kakegawa,Tomohiro Usui Pdf

This book provides concise and cutting-edge reviews in astrobiology, a young and still emerging multidisciplinary field of science that addresses the fundamental questions of how life originated and diversified on Earth, whether life exists beyond Earth, and what is the future for life on Earth. Readers will find coverage of the latest understanding of a wide range of fascinating topics, including, for example, solar system formation, the origins of life, the history of Earth as revealed by geology, the evolution of intelligence on Earth, the implications of genome data, insights from extremophile research, and the possible existence of life on other planets within and beyond the solar system. Each chapter contains a brief summary of the current status of the topic under discussion, sufficient references to enable more detailed study, and descriptions of recent findings and forthcoming missions or anticipated research. Written by leading experts in astronomy, planetary science, geoscience, chemistry, biology, and physics, this insightful and thought-provoking book will appeal to all students and scientists who are interested in life and space.

The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy

Arik Kershenbaum
The Zoologist s Guide to the Galaxy Book PDF

Author : Arik Kershenbaum
Publisher : Penguin
Page : 369 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 2021-03-16
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781984881977

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The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy by Arik Kershenbaum Pdf

From a noted Cambridge zoologist, a wildly fun and scientifically sound exploration of what alien life must be like, using universal laws that govern life on Earth and in space. Scientists are confident that life exists elsewhere in the universe. Yet rather than taking a realistic approach to what aliens might be like, we imagine that life on other planets is the stuff of science fiction. The time has come to abandon our fantasies of space invaders and movie monsters and place our expectations on solid scientific footing. But short of aliens landing in New York City, how do we know what they are like? Using his own expert understanding of life on Earth and Darwin's theory of evolution--which applies throughout the universe--Cambridge zoologist Dr. Arik Kershenbaum explains what alien life must be like: how these creatures will move, socialize, and communicate. For example, by observing fish whose electrical pulses indicate social status, we can see that other planets might allow for communication by electricity. As there was evolutionary pressure to wriggle along a sea floor, Earthling animals tend to have left/right symmetry; on planets where creatures evolved in midair or in soupy tar, they might be lacking any symmetry at all. Might there be an alien planet with supersonic animals? A moon where creatures have a language composed of smells? Will aliens scream with fear, act honestly, or have technology? The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy answers these questions using the latest science to tell the story of how life really works, on Earth and in space.

Convergent Evolution on Earth

George R. McGhee, Jr.
Convergent Evolution on Earth Book PDF

Author : George R. McGhee, Jr.
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 333 pages
File Size : 52,8 Mb
Release : 2019-10-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780262042734

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Convergent Evolution on Earth by George R. McGhee, Jr. Pdf

An analysis of patterns of convergent evolution on Earth that suggests where we might look for similar convergent forms on other planets. Why does a sea lily look like a palm tree? And why is a sea lily called a “lily” when it is a marine animal and not a plant? Many marine animals bear a noticeable similarity in form to land-dwelling plants. And yet these marine animal forms evolved in the oceans first; land plants independently and convergently evolved similar forms much later in geologic time. In this book, George McGhee analyzes patterns of convergent evolution on Earth and argues that these patterns offer lessons for the search for life elsewhere in the universe. Our Earth is a water world; 71 percent of the earth's surface is covered by water. The fossil record shows that multicellular life on dry land is a new phenomenon; for the vast majority of the earth's history—3,500 million years of its 4,560 million years of existence—complex life existed only in the oceans. Explaining that convergent biological evolution occurs because of limited evolutionary pathways, McGhee examines examples of convergent evolution in forms of feeding, immobility and mobility, defense, and organ systems. McGhee suggests that the patterns of convergent evolution that we see in our own water world indicate the potential for similar convergent forms in other water worlds. We should search for extraterrestrial life on water worlds, and for technological life on water worlds with continental landmasses.

The New Science of Astrobiology

Julian Chela-Flores
The New Science of Astrobiology Book PDF

Author : Julian Chela-Flores
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 253 pages
File Size : 49,7 Mb
Release : 2012-12-06
Category : Science
ISBN : 9789401008228

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The New Science of Astrobiology by Julian Chela-Flores Pdf

Astrobiology is a very broad interdisciplinary field covering the origin, evolution, distribution, and destiny of life in the universe, as well as the design and implementation of missions for solar system exploration. A review covering its complete spectrum has been missing at a level accessible even to the non-specialist. The last section of the book consists of a supplement, including a glossary, notes, and tables, which represent highly condensed `windows' into research ranging from basic sciences to earth and life sciences, as well as the humanities. These additions should make The New Science of Astrobiology accessible to a wide readership: scientists, humanists, and the general reader will have an opportunity to participate in one of the most rewarding activities of contemporary culture.

Science, Society, and the Search for Life in the Universe

Bruce M. Jakosky
Science Society and the Search for Life in the Universe Book PDF

Author : Bruce M. Jakosky
Publisher : University of Arizona Press
Page : 162 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2022-10-18
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780816550920

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Science, Society, and the Search for Life in the Universe by Bruce M. Jakosky Pdf

Are we alone in the universe? As humans, are we unique or are we part of a greater cosmic existence? What is life’s future on Earth and beyond? How does life begin and develop? These are age-old questions that have inspired wonder and controversy ever since the first people looked up into the sky. With today’s technology, however, we are closer than ever to finding the answers. Astrobiology is the relatively new, but fast growing scientific discipline that involves trying to understand the origin, evolution, and distribution of life within the universe. It is also one of the few scientific disciplines that attracts the public’s intense curiosity and attention. This interest stems largely from the deep personal meaning that the possible existence of extraterrestrial life has for so many. Whether this meaning relates to addressing the “Big Questions” of our existence, the possibility of encountering life on other planets, or the potential impact on our understanding of religion, there is no doubt that the public is firmly vested in finding answers. In this broadly accessible introduction to the field, Bruce Jakosky looks at the search for life in the universe not only from a scientific perspective, but also from a distinctly social one. In lucid and engaging prose, he addresses topics including the contradiction between the public’s fascination and the meager dialogue that exists between those within the scientific community and those outside of it, and what has become some of the most impassioned political wrangling ever seen in government science funding.

Life as We Do Not Know It

Peter Ward
Life as We Do Not Know It Book PDF

Author : Peter Ward
Publisher : Penguin
Page : 324 pages
File Size : 53,9 Mb
Release : 2007-02-27
Category : Science
ISBN : 0143038494

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Life as We Do Not Know It by Peter Ward Pdf

An engrossing and revelatory first look at the search for alien life—on Earth and beyond For the past twenty years, Peter Ward has been at the forefront of popular science writing, with books such as the influential and controversial Rare Earth. In Life as We Do Not Know It, Ward, with his signature blend of eloquence, humor, and learned insight, vividly details the latest scientific findings, cutting-edge research, and intrepid new theories on the subject of alien life and the possible extraterrestrial origins of life on Earth. In lucid, entertaining, and bold prose, Peter Ward once again challenges our notions of life on earth (and beyond).

Astrotheology

Dr. Ted F. PetersMartinez Hewlett,Martinez Hewlett,Joshua M. Moritz,Robert John Russell
Astrotheology Book PDF

Author : Dr. Ted F. PetersMartinez Hewlett,Martinez Hewlett,Joshua M. Moritz,Robert John Russell
Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
Page : 502 pages
File Size : 54,6 Mb
Release : 2018-07-12
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781532606403

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Astrotheology by Dr. Ted F. PetersMartinez Hewlett,Martinez Hewlett,Joshua M. Moritz,Robert John Russell Pdf

Astrotheology: Science and Theology Meet Extraterrestrial Life looks at both ends of the telescope: the unfathomable reaches of cosmic space and the excited stirrings within the human psyche. It takes a scientist to explain what we are looking at. It takes a theologian to understand who is doing the looking. This book's scientific authors update readers on astrobiology's search for extraterrestrial life. Theologians add to the science a theological analysis of the place of space in understanding God's creative work, the prospects of sharing God's creation with extraterrestrial neighbors, and the question of whether one or many incarnations are required for cosmic redemption. Finally, these scholars lay the foundations for an ethic of space exploration. This book introduces a comprehensive astrotheology with an accompanying astroethic.

Extraterrestrial Altruism

Douglas A. Vakoch
Extraterrestrial Altruism Book PDF

Author : Douglas A. Vakoch
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 329 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2013-09-14
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783642377501

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Extraterrestrial Altruism by Douglas A. Vakoch Pdf

Extraterrestrial Altruism examines a basic assumption of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI): that extraterrestrials will be transmitting messages to us for our benefit. This question of whether extraterrestrials will be altruistic has become increasingly important in recent years as SETI scientists have begun contemplating transmissions from Earth to make contact. Technological civilizations that transmit signals for the benefit of others, but with no immediate gain for themselves, certainly seem to be altruistic. But does this make biological sense? Should we expect altruism to evolve throughout the cosmos, or is this only wishful thinking? Is it dangerous to send messages to other worlds, as Stephen Hawking has suggested, or might humankind benefit from an exchange with intelligence elsewhere in the galaxy? Would extraterrestrial societies be based on different ethical principles, or would we see commonalities with Earthly notions of morality? Extraterrestrial Altruism explores these and related questions about the motivations of civilizations beyond Earth, providing new insights that are critical for SETI. Chapters are authored by leading scholars from diverse disciplines—anthropology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, cosmology, engineering, history of science, law, philosophy, psychology, public policy, and sociology. The book is carefully edited by Douglas Vakoch, Director of Interstellar Message Composition at the SETI Institute and professor of clinical psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. The Foreword is by Frank Drake. This interdisciplinary book will benefit everybody trying to understand whether evolution and ethics are unique to Earth, or whether they are built into the fabric of the universe.

The History and Philosophy of Astrobiology

David Dunér,Gustav Holmberg,Erik Persson
The History and Philosophy of Astrobiology Book PDF

Author : David Dunér,Gustav Holmberg,Erik Persson
Publisher : Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Page : 290 pages
File Size : 52,8 Mb
Release : 2013-09-26
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781443853026

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The History and Philosophy of Astrobiology by David Dunér,Gustav Holmberg,Erik Persson Pdf

Human beings have wondered about the stars since the dawn of the species. Does life exist out there – intelligent life, even – or are we alone? The quest for life in the universe touches on fundamental hopes and fears. It touches on the essence of what it means to formulate a theory, grasp a concept, and have an imagination. This book traces the history of the science of this area and the development of new schools in philosophy. Its essays seek to establish the history and philosophy of astrobiology as research fields in their own right by addressing cognitive, linguistic, epistemological, ethical, cultural, societal, and historical perspectives on astrobiology. The book is divided into three sections. The first (Cognition) focuses on the human mind and what it contributes to the search for life. It explores the emergence and evolution of terrestrial life and cognition and the challenges humans face as they reach to the stars. The essays raise philosophical questions, pose ethical dilemmas, and offer a variety of approaches, including one from cognitive zoology, in formulating a theory of the universal principles of intelligence, the limits of human conceptual abilities, and the human mind’s encounter with the unknown. The second section (Communication) examines the linguistic and semiotic requirements for interstellar communication. What is needed for successful communication? Are there universal rules for success? What are the possible features – and limitations – of exolanguages? What is required for recognizing a message as a message? The third section (Culture) considers cultural and societal issues. It explores astrobiology’s organization as a scientific discipline, its responsibilities to the public sphere, and its theological implications. It reviews the historically important panspermia hypothesis, along with the popularization of astrobiology and its ongoing institutionalisation. Through addressing these questions, we take our first steps in exploring the immense terra incognita of extraterrestrial life and the human mind.

Life Everywhere

David Darling
Life Everywhere Book PDF

Author : David Darling
Publisher : Hachette UK
Page : 224 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2007-10-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780465009985

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Life Everywhere by David Darling Pdf

To many people, the main question about extraterrestrial life is whether or not it exists. But to the scientific community, that question has already been answered: It does. So confident are scientists of the existence of life on other planets that they've invested serious amounts of money, time and prestige in finding and studying it. NASA has started an Institute of Astrobiology, for instance, and the University of Washington, Seattle, began in September 1999 to accept graduate students into its Department of Astrobiology. Life Everywhere is the first book to lay out for a general reader what the new science of astrobiology is all about. It asks the fascinating questions researchers are asking themselves and one another: u What is life? u How does it originate? u How often does life survive once it arises?u How does evolution work?u What determines whether complex or even intelligent life will emerge from more primitive forms?Informed by interviews with most of the experts in this nascent subject, Life Everywhere introduces readers to one of the most important scientific disciplines of the coming century.

Beyond UFOs

Jeffrey O. Bennett
Beyond UFOs Book PDF

Author : Jeffrey O. Bennett
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 246 pages
File Size : 43,7 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Nature
ISBN : 0691135495

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Beyond UFOs by Jeffrey O. Bennett Pdf

Describes the startling discoveries being made in the very real science of astrobiology, an intriguing new field that blends astronomy, biology, and geology to explore the possibility of life on other planets. Jeffrey Bennett takes readers beyond UFOs to discuss some of the tantalizing questions astrobiologists grapple with every day: What is life and how does it begin? What makes a planet or moon habitable? Is there life on Mars or elsewhere in the solar system? How can life be recognized on distant worlds? Is it likely to be microbial, more biologically complex--or even intelligent? What would such a discovery mean for life here on Earth?--From publisher description.

Alien Life Imagined

Mark Brake
Alien Life Imagined Book PDF

Author : Mark Brake
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 283 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2013
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN : 9780521491297

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Alien Life Imagined by Mark Brake Pdf

Compelling account of how ideas of alien life have evolved for general readers, amateur astronomers and undergraduate students studying astrobiology.