Does life's rapid appearance imply a Martian origin?
The hypothesis that life's rapid appearance on Earth justifies the belief that life is widespread in the universe has been investigated mathematically by Lineweaver and Davis (Astrobiology 2002;2:293-304). However, a rapid appearance could also be interpreted as evidence for a nonterrestrial origin. I attempt to quantify the relative probabilities for a non-indigenous versus indigenous origin, on the assumption that biogenesis involves one or more highly improbable steps, using a generalization of Carter's well-known observer-selection argument. The analysis is specifically applied to a Martian origin of life, with subsequent transfer to Earth within impact ejecta. My main result is that the relatively greater probability of a Martian origin rises sharply as a function of the number of difficult steps involved in biogenesis. The actual numerical factor depends on what is assumed about conditions on early Mars, but for a wide range of assumptions a Martian origin of life is decisively favored. By contrast, an extrasolar origin seems unlikely using the same analysis. These results complement those of Lineweaver and Davis.
Davies
P C W
PC
Australian Centre for Astrobiology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. pdavies@els.mq.edu.au
D018534:Earth, Planet; D018559:Exobiology; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D019369:Life; D018535:Mars; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D000069497:Origin of Life; D011336:Probability; D013997:Time Factors