KCC Biology Department BioLab 6 Exercise 2

BioLab 6 Exercise 2
Biodiversity in the Universe

Objectives:

To explore the possibility of life on other worlds.

To utilize the Internet as a tool to learn more about the search for extraterrestrial life.

To submit answers in writing to your instructor based on your work.

Materials:

A computer.
Internet access through an internet service provider (ISP), and a browser such as Netscape Navigator.®
A calculator.
Pen and paper.

Background:

So far, in all of these Biology 13 BioLabs, we have studied Biodiversity on Earth. We have focussed on life forms from the deepest parts of the oceans to thousands of feet in the air. All are unique and adapted to their particular environment. With the incredible diversity of life on our planet, the question still remains, "Is there life beyond Earth?" For centuries humans have looked to the sky, and wondered if they were alone in the universe. Is Earth the only celestial body where life exists? Speculation, theories and scientific studies have sought to find the answers to these and other questions. In this BioLab, we will take a look at Astrobiodiversity - life on other worlds in our universe.

Methods:

We begin by focussing on our own Solar System. Could there be life on any of the other objects orbiting our sun? Go to the following web sites to read about life on other planets in our solar system. Then return to this page to continue:
Life On Other Planets in the Solar System
Pre-Space Age: Mythological and Fictional
Early Space Age
Life on Mars
Life on Europa
Based on what you have read, do you think life could exist elsewhere in our solar system? If so, where and why? Submit your answer in essay form via email to your instructor.
We now look beyond our solar system. How many planets in our Milky Way Galaxy could possibly support life as we know it? In 1961, Dr. Frank Drake developed an equation, now known as the Drake Equation, to estimate the answer to this question. Go to the following web sites, read the background information, then try your hand at calculating how many civilizations could exist in the Milky Way. Submit your work to your instructor via email. Include your choices for each variable and your calculated estimate. Then return to this page:
Life Beyond Earth - Drake Equation
The Drake Equation
We finally focus our attention on the universe. Go to the following web sites to read about alien life. Then return to this page to continue:
How Aliens Might Work
Greetings, Carbon-based Bipeds
Life in the Extreme
Some Ground Rules for Alien Life
Speculation: What Might Aliens Be Like?
Now it is your turn. Go to the following web site and follow the instructions for creating your own alien life form based on the parameters provided. Submit your work to your instructor via email:
Now It's Your Turn
References:
1. Garlick, Mark A. "No Place Like Zone". Astronomy. Aug 2002. pp. 44-51.
2. Nadis, Steve. "Using Lasers to Detect E.T.". Astronomy. Sep 2002. pp. 45-49.
3. Overbye, Dennis. "NASA Presses Its Search for Extraterrestrial Life". The New York Times. Tue June 4 2002. pp.F1 and F4.
Additional Links:

Computer and Internet Ethics

Do not provide personal information online, nor strike up conversations with strangers in online chat rooms.
Do not violate copyright laws through illegal duplication of software, or through utilization of the original online work of others without proper citation, or permission,
Keep any and all passwords confidential.
When on the KCC or other website networks, do not attempt accessing restricted areas which require codes or passwords. In addition to not being the right thing to do, you could be arrested.
When using your home computer, always scan newly downloaded software for viruses utilizing the antiviral programs that are part of your computer's utilities.

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