New study suggests nearby exoplanets likely host microbes rather than advanced aliens
A study led by Chris Doughty of Northern Arizona University published Sept 22 in the International Journal of Astrobiology proposes that life on nearby exoplanets is limited by plant energy availability.
Study links evolution to photosynthesis
The research indicates that the advancement of life on potentially habitable worlds depends heavily on cumulative photosynthesis conditions. Planets with poor environments for plant growth likely saw their biological development progress much more slowly over billions of years. Consequently, Earth-like planets in our stellar neighborhood may still be at a microbial stage because they lack sufficient energy for complex evolution.
Fermi paradox gets new answer
Professor Doughty notes that the quietness of our exoplanet neighborhood might explain why we have not detected signals from other civilizations. If life on those distant worlds evolved similarly to Earth, most would consist of simple organisms rather than intelligent beings waiting to contact us. This perspective suggests we can rest easy regarding potential threats from advanced alien civilizations nearby.
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