The Biological Universe: Life in the Milky Way and Beyond

Description

Are we alone in the universe, or are there other life forms 'out there'? This is one of the most scientifically and philosophically important questions that humanity can ask. Now, in the early 2020s, we are tantalizingly close to an answer. As this book shows, the answer will almost certainly be that life forms are to be found across the Milky Way and beyond. They will be thinly spread, to be sure. Yet the number of inhabited planets probably runs into the trillions. Some are close enough for us to detect evidence of life by analysing their atmospheres. This evidence may be found within a couple of decades. Its arrival will be momentous. But even before it arrives we can anticipate what life elsewhere will be like by examining the ecology and evolution of life on Earth. This book considers the current state of play in relation to these titanic issues.

Wallace Arthur is an evolutionary biologist who is fascinated by the possibility of evolution occurring on other planets. His first book on this subject was Life through Time and Space (2017), of which the Astronomer Royal Sir Arnold Wolfendale said: 'brilliant and thought-provoking in every way'. The Biological Universe is the sequel.

'Wallace Arthur addresses the most exciting question in science: 'Are we alone?' His brilliant exposition argues convincingly that we are likely to go through a Copernican revolution regarding the biological universe and discover that we are not at its centre.' Avi Loeb, Chair of the Harvard Astronomy department 'An engaging, well-informed, and accessible guide to one of the great questions. Thoroughly enjoyable and unputdownable.' Peter Atkins, Emeritus Professor of Physical Chemistry, University of Oxford, and fellow of Lincoln College 'The Biological Universe performs a fascinating dissection of our tree of life, asking which of its features we might share with other such trees on worlds throughout the Galaxy. A truly unique perspective on finding life in the Universe, which starts with who is eating whom in the soil under our feet.' Elizabeth Tasker, author of The Planet Factory 'In this thought-provoking book, Arthur's deep knowledge of life and its myriad manifestations, coupled with a cosmologist's understanding of the cosmos at large, enables him to explore one of science's greatest mysteries - how the biological and physical universes relate to one another. Does life exist beyond this planet? What form would it take? How could we detect it? Arthur musters fact, logic, and intuition, in his far-reaching attempt to nail down life's place within the wider cosmic dimension.' Addy Pross, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel 'Wallace Arthur takes us on a fascinating journey to discover if and how our living planet is unique in the universe. In his characteristically engaging style, he propels his story with sharp questions, arresting details, and vivid explanations, so that we arrive, via photosynthesis-stealing slugs and the extremes of extraterrestrial atmospheres, at a new understanding of ourselves and our world.' Ronald Jenner, Natural History Museum, London, UK 'Wallace Arthur's book The Biological Universe is highly significant. We will soon know if we are alone in the universe. The next few years could provide us with this long-sought answer. This book, extremely well written, tells us how.' Simon 'Pete' Worden, Executive Director, Breakthrough Initiatives, Luxembourg and USA 'Working his way up from first principles of physics, chemistry, and biology, Wallace Arthur asks what is needed for life to exist. In his familiar readable style, he then asks whether these requirements are likely to be found elsewhere in the universe, and answers with a resounding 'Yes'. Anyone who works on the evolution of life on Earth will have asked themselves similar questions. Arthur's presentation of the questions, and of the answers, is both enjoyable and eye-opening.' Ariel Chipman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel 'Arthur has done an admirable job pulling together all these different fields and his explanations of tricky topics are clear.' Lewis Dartnell 'Wallace Arthur's The Biological Universe is a romp through astrobiology intended for general readers. Curiously, we meet almost no one along the way ... The Biological Universe covers an impressive amount of territory.' Max Dresow, The Quarterly Review of Biology