onifre writes: I find all traits unique to Earth and it's specific, random and chaotic natural history, and don't believe any of the traits that species have on this planet should have to be common anywhere else but here. |
Perhaps. And, with no substansive data (yet...) it's not like anyone can argue authoritatively either way.
My view aligns with the whole "from what information we do gather... Earth seems less and less 'unique' and more and more 'average'" idea.
Extrapolating with this view would lead one to believe that any trait that allows a species to dominate to a large degree is going to happen... sooner or later.
Swimming.
Flight.
Breathing air (or local livable atmosphere).
Intelligence.
Each of those is a huge factor and has led to total dominance of a large portion of the planet.
What do they require?
Water (...maybe just liquid?).
Air/Atmosphere.
Host.
Given those things... and limited resources where evolution will 'arms race' to take advantage of... I really only see it as a matter of time.
Was the development of intelligence on Earth fast or slow?
Again, if the history of Earth looking more and more 'average' rather than 'exceptional' is any indication... we can guess that we were likely not "fast" in becoming intelligent.
I would agree that using the central star for energy (photosynthesis of some kind) is a likely beginning for some sort of slow-growing, generally hardy life (like plants).
I don't know, of course. But my "naive sensors" start blasting angry noises whenever I try to think about humans being "the only intelligent life" in the entire universe. It's a big place.
Edited by Stile, : And he's across the finish line! But wait, it seems like he has forgotten the baton...