Studies of the origin of life on Earth help us to consider what would be required for life elsewhere in the universe. Which of the following is MOST likely to be true of extraterrestrial life?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon is the element that can form the backbone for complex organic molecules, and since all known forms of life on Earth use carbon-based chemistry, it is highly likely that extraterrestrial life would as well.

B, C, and D are less likely because they all assume that extraterrestrial life would function in ways similar to Earth's life forms. However, life could evolve differently elsewhere, and might not necessarily require light, oxygen, or water.

Studies of the Origin of Life on Earth Help Us