Astronomy and the Origins of Life: Understanding Habitability and Extremes in the Universe, Study notes of Astronomy

Download Astronomy and the Origins of Life: Understanding Habitability and Extremes in the Universe and more Study notes Astronomy in PDF only on Docsity! © Original Artist Renroductionrigtitsra btainableyfram .~ inven a tOOnstockc orn AND TO THINK, | TRAVELLED TWENTY THOUSAND LIGHT YEARS JUST TO BE EMBARASSED BY YOU. Simple facts: The Universe is vast. The Universe is old. The elements for life are wide-spread. Our physical laws appear universal The Universe is mostly empty! The Dawn of Life on Earth The Earth today – abundant life Fossil History – the evolution to today Tree of Life Lessons from history and evolution Habitability and Climate Change Defining Habitability Requirements for Habitability Regulating mechanisms for Climate The role of impact The role of greenhouse gases What might it take to have intelligent life? Defining Life What is life? Key Properties of Biological Life The boundary between chemical reaction and life Can there be robotic life? What about virtual life? The Origins of Life on Earth Working back from today The most basic components How DNA and RNA work Working forward from simple molecules Bridging the gap I hope to convince you that life cannot possibly exist! Mass Extinctions and the threat of Asteriod/Comet Impacts Major mass extinctions in the past Volcanoes as causes of mass extinctions Impact craters and extinctions The role of mass extinctions in evolution I Test Preparation Overall: • Work on the concepts and ideas, be able to explain them and give an example. • Understand how processes interact to affect life: Greenhouse effect, impacts, natural selection, Habitability • Think about your opinion on the major issues raised in class and be able to express and defend your opinion Details: all of the names and details presented in class are examples and context – not to be memorized Your answers should show knowledge of what has been discussed in class.