21st Century Astronomy
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780393428063
Author: Kay
Publisher: NORTON
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Chapter 24, Problem 1QP
To determine
Reason why the study of life and the study of astronomy are connected.
Expert Solution & Answer
Answer to Problem 1QP
Option b., c. and e. are correct because, connecting the study of planets and life can help to verify the existence of life on Earth. Also, astrobiology can help in exploring the extreme environment conditions on Earth as well as in terrestrial biosphere.
Explanation of Solution
At some point when both the studies, of life and astronomy are interrelated to each other, it is termed as Astrobiology, the study of the living universe. Therefore, Astronomy provides the context for life on Earth to originate and evolve.
Likewise, terrestrial biosphere observations from extremophilic organisms, to intellect evolution and enlighten our understanding about life chances elsewhere. Astrobiology also involves the search for alien life through in situ observation, solar and extrasolar planetary atmospheres spectroscopy, and the hunt for extra-terrestrial intelligence.
In this way, astrobiology situates within philosophical concern of the meaning of life and the universe. This discusses the habitability of the Universe in general, and planets and moons in particular, and summarizes existing issues in origin-of-life research and evidence of Earth's early life.
Conclusion:
Thus, Option a. is not correct because, as existence of life is not possible at some places like planets, etc. So it can be common between the things existed in the universe.
Option b. is correct because connecting the study of planets and life leads to the verification of the existence of life on Earth, as astronomy and biology are interconnected in the study of Astrobiology.
Option c. is correct as the astrobiology can help in exploring the extreme environment conditions on Earth as well as in terrestrial biosphere.
Option d. is incorrect because life is something that evolved due to various physical processes happened in the nature before, but evidences are found in the early study of life that life on Earth is unique.
Option e. is correct since, astronomer is responsible for the study of life terrestrial and elsewhere. Astronomy provides the context for the origin and evolution of life on Earth.
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Students have asked these similar questions
Which of the following seems least reasonable regarding life on Earth?
Group of answer choices
There is much scientific evidence suggesting that all creatures living on Earth today appear to have evolved from a common ancestor.
Louis Pasteur discredited the concept of spontaneous generation by demonstrating that even bacteria and other microorganisms arise from parents resembling themselves.
There is ample physical evidence that the earliest life forms on Earth were multicellular creatures, perhaps resembling some of our primitive fish.
When the earth formed some 4.6 billion years ago, it was a lifeless, inhospitable place.
Before the mid-17th century, most people believed that God had created humankind and other higher organisms and that insects, frogs, and other small creatures could arise spontaneously in mud or decaying matter
About billion years into its development, the Earth it was teeming with organisms resembling blue-green algae.
How is a habitable zone likely to change over time?
a. get narrower
b. move further from the star
c. they aren't likely to change
What is the best way to determine if a exoplanet has life inside it?
Group of answer choices
Detect the star the exoplanet is orbiting and compare it to the Sun.
Detect the exoplanet and determine if it is in the habitable zone of the star.
Detect the exoplanet and study the atmosphere of the exoplanet.
Detect the exoplanet and determine its age to see if it is similar to the age of the Earth.
Chapter 24 Solutions
21st Century Astronomy
Ch. 24.1 - Prob. 24.1CYUCh. 24.2 - Prob. 24.2CYUCh. 24.3 - Prob. 24.3ACYUCh. 24.3 - Prob. 24.3BCYUCh. 24.4 - Prob. 24.4CYUCh. 24 - Prob. 1QPCh. 24 - Prob. 2QPCh. 24 - Prob. 3QPCh. 24 - Prob. 4QPCh. 24 - Prob. 5QP
Ch. 24 - Prob. 6QPCh. 24 - Prob. 7QPCh. 24 - Prob. 8QPCh. 24 - Prob. 9QPCh. 24 - Prob. 10QPCh. 24 - Prob. 11QPCh. 24 - Prob. 12QPCh. 24 - Prob. 13QPCh. 24 - Prob. 14QPCh. 24 - Prob. 15QPCh. 24 - Prob. 16QPCh. 24 - Prob. 17QPCh. 24 - Prob. 18QPCh. 24 - Prob. 20QPCh. 24 - Prob. 21QPCh. 24 - Prob. 22QPCh. 24 - Prob. 23QPCh. 24 - Prob. 24QPCh. 24 - Prob. 25QPCh. 24 - Prob. 26QPCh. 24 - Prob. 27QPCh. 24 - Prob. 29QPCh. 24 - Prob. 30QP
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