Assignment:
Develop a response to this question. Ensure you have answered all parts of the question completely. Complete this assignment described below using complete sentences in a paragraph format, and be sure to check your spelling when complete.
Topic:
The video, Chemistry of life, linked to this chapter provides an explanation of what leads to the emergent properties of water and how these properties provide conditions for living organisms to thrive. At one time, it was thought that living things could be found only where a moderate range of abiotic factors (such as temperature & pH) existed. Since the discovery of extremophiles, micro-organisms that thrive in extreme environments, our understanding of where life can exist has changed. Some extremophiles live in hot, acidic sulfur springs and some even live near the openings of deep ocean hydrothermal vents.
Based on our current knowledge of extremophiles that exist on planet Earth, what does the existence of life in such extreme environments say about the possibility of life on other planets? Provide at least one specific example.
Respond to Others: Read the postings of your classmates and comment on at least one other student's response. Do you agree with his/her interpretation? Why? Why not?