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Chapter 24: Problem 13

T/F: Scientists know with certainty that in the Solar System, life exists only on Earth.

Short Answer

Expert verified
True. Scientists can only confirm life on Earth with certainty.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Statement

The statement claims that scientists are certain that life exists only on Earth within the Solar System.
02

Analyze the Current Scientific Consensus

Review the current scientific understanding. As of now, scientists have found definitive evidence of life only on Earth within the Solar System.
03

Confirming Certainty

While there are hypotheses and studies exploring the possibility of life on other planets or moons, no concrete evidence has been discovered yet. Therefore, scientists can only confirm life on Earth.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Earth
Earth is the only known planet in the Solar System that supports life. It has the right conditions, like a suitable atmosphere, water, and temperatures, making it habitable for millions of species, including humans. Other planets in our solar system don’t have these life-supporting conditions. This unique combination of factors on Earth creates an environment where life can thrive and evolve. Understanding our own planet helps scientists search for similar conditions elsewhere in the universe.
scientific consensus
Scientific consensus is the collective agreement among scientists based on the best available evidence and rigorous peer-reviewed research. Regarding life in the Solar System, the scientific consensus is that Earth is currently the only planet known to host life. This consensus is formed through the accumulation of evidence from many different fields like biology, astronomy, and geology. Although new discoveries can challenge and change this consensus, for now, the evidence points to Earth as the sole bearer of life in our Solar System. This agreement helps guide further research and exploration efforts.
evidence of life
Scientists use various methods to look for evidence of life outside Earth. This includes studying the atmospheres of other planets, searching for water, and analyzing meteorites. So far, no direct evidence of life has been found on other planets or moons in our Solar System. Experiments like the Mars rovers are designed to find organic molecules or other signs that life might have existed in the past. While intriguing hints have appeared, nothing definitive has been discovered. The search continues, but the current lack of evidence means Earth remains unique in this regard.
planetary exploration
Planetary exploration involves sending probes, rovers, and sometimes humans to study other planets and moons. Missions like NASA’s Mars rover have provided valuable data about the Red Planet’s surface and atmosphere. These explorations aim to answer fundamental questions about the origins and evolution of planets and the potential for life. By studying other celestial bodies, scientists hope to find environments that could support life or might have supported life in the past. Through continuous exploration, we expand our understanding of the Solar System and our place within it.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Carbon is a favorable base for life because a. it can bond to many other atoms in long chains. b. it is nonreactive. c. it forms weak bonds that can be readily reorganized as needed. d. it is organic.

The Kepler mission is currently searching for planets in the habitable zones of stars. Explain which factors in the Drake equation are affected by this search, and how the final number \(N\) will be impacted if Kepler finds that most stars have planets in their habitable zones.

The Cambrian explosion a. killed the dinosaurs. b. produced the carbon that is now here on Earth. c. was a sudden increase in biodiversity. d. released a lot of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\), into the atmosphere.

If processes on Earth were energetic enough to form DNA, shouldn't they have been able to destroy it as well? Why then, does life exist today?

The study of life and the study of astronomy are connected because (select all that apply) a. life may be quite commonplace in the universe. b. studying other planets may help explain why there is life on Earth. c. explorations of extreme environments on Earth suggest where to look for life elsewhere. d. life is a structure that evolved through physical processes, and life on Earth may not be unique. e. life elsewhere is most likely to be found by astronomers.
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