The Cosmic Zoo: The (Near) Inevitability of the Evolution of Complex, Macroscopic Life

Life on Earth provides a unique biological record from single-cell microbes to technologically intelligent life forms. Our evolution is marked by several major steps or innovations along a path of increasing complexity from microbes to space-faring humans. Here we identify various major key innovati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Life (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2016-06, Vol.6 (3), p.25-25
Main Authors: Bains, William, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
complexity
evolution
great filter
key innovation
multicellularity
origin of life
transition
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Summary:Life on Earth provides a unique biological record from single-cell microbes to technologically intelligent life forms. Our evolution is marked by several major steps or innovations along a path of increasing complexity from microbes to space-faring humans. Here we identify various major key innovations, and use an analytical toolset consisting of a set of models to analyse how likely each key innovation is to occur. Our conclusion is that once the origin of life is accomplished, most of the key innovations can occur rather readily. The conclusion for other worlds is that if the origin of life can occur rather easily, we should live in a cosmic zoo, as the innovations necessary to lead to complex life will occur with high probability given sufficient time and habitat. On the other hand, if the origin of life is rare, then we might live in a rather empty universe.
ISSN:2075-1729
2075-1729
DOI:10.3390/life6030025