On the Evolution of the Biological Framework for Insight

Abstract

The details of abiogenesis, to date, remain a matter of debate and constitute a key mystery in science and philosophy. The prevailing scientific hypothesis implies an evolutionary process of increasing complexity on Earth starting from (self-) replicating polymers. Defining the cut-off point where life begins is another moot point beyond the scope of this article. We will instead walk through the known evolutionary steps that led from these first exceptional polymers to the vast network of living biomatter that spans our world today, focusing in particular on perception, from simple biological feedback mechanisms to the complexity that allows for abstract thought. We will then project from the well-known to the unknown to gain a glimpse into what the universe aims to accomplish with living matter, just to find that if the universe had ever planned to be comprehended, evolution still has a long way to go.

Marine Science Can Contribute to the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Life

“…Extraterrestrial life has been contemplated as inhabiting energy-providing rocky-aqueous environments and being capable of carrying out metabolic functions that allow growth and movement [ 200 , 201 , 202 , 203 , 204 , 205 ], such as prokaryotic-like life forms (either Bacteria and Archea or protozoans) [ 124 , 206 ]. Also, models for encoding and transmitting information regarding structural character and metabolic activity are based on DNA or RNA, molecules with a series of basic elements arranged in different sequences.…”