One of the biggest challenges in astrobiology — the study of life in the universe — is understanding the very nature of life itself. For over a century, biologists have recognized that life on Earth is built from essential components like DNA, RNA, and amino acids. Fossil records further reveal that life has followed numerous evolutionary paths, giving rise to a vast diversity of organisms. Yet, evidence also suggests that evolutionary possibilities are not endless; convergence and constraints significantly shape and limit the forms life can take.
This raises intriguing questions for astrobiologists: What might life look like on other planets? Can our knowledge of Earth’s biology help us predict alien life? A team of researchers led by the Santa Fe Institute (SFI) explored these questions in a recent study. By examining case studies from various scientific disciplines, they determined that certain fundamental constraints make some forms of life unlikely to exist.
Some, but not others.
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