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Biology is a natural science that studies life and living organisms, including their structure, function, development, interactions, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. The field's scope is extensive and divided into several specialized disciplines, such as anatomy, physiology, ethology, genetics, and many more. All living things share a few key traits, including cellular organization, heritable genetic material and the ability to adapt/evolve, metabolism to regulate energy needs, the...
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The Earth and its atmosphere have provided humans with air, water, and food, but these are not the only requirements for survival. Humans also require a specific range of temperature and pressure that the Earth and its atmosphere provides.
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Cells are the smallest and basic units of life, whether it is a single cell that forms the entire organism, e.g., in a bacterium, or trillions of them, e.g., in humans. No matter what organism a cell is a part of, they share specific characteristics.
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Chapter 2: What Is Life?

Stephanie Colón-Santos1,2, Alberto Vázquez-Salazar3,4, Alyssa Adams2

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Defining life is crucial for astrobiology, guiding the search for extraterrestrial life. This chapter explores historical, conceptual, and operational definitions of life for space exploration.

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Area of Science:

  • Astrobiology
  • Origin of Life Studies
  • Philosophy of Science

Background:

  • The definition of life has evolved historically and scientifically.
  • Technological advancements reveal life's complexity and interconnectedness.
  • Defining life is fundamental for astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Provide historical context for the definition of life.
  • Identify shared characteristics and key features of life on Earth.
  • Discuss the importance of defining life for astrobiology.
  • Explore challenges and opportunities in creating an operational definition of life.

Main Methods:

  • Historical analysis of the concept of life.
  • Review of scientific literature on life's characteristics.
  • Philosophical inquiry into defining life.
  • Exploration of astrobiological implications.

Main Results:

  • Life's definition is multifaceted, encompassing historical, scientific, and philosophical dimensions.
  • Key characteristics shared by all known life forms have been identified.
  • The search for extraterrestrial life necessitates a clear operational definition.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the definition of life is central to astrobiology.
  • Developing an operational definition of life presents challenges and opportunities.
  • This work provides a framework for defining life in the context of searching for it beyond Earth.