TED-ED: Why extremophiles bode well for life beyond Earth - Louisa Preston

Astrobiology is a scientific field that explores the possibility of life beyond Earth. It draws from various disciplines to understand how life forms and how it might exist elsewhere. While ancient beliefs imagined other worlds, modern science has only recently begun searching for extraterrestrial life. Life on Earth requires water, energy, and carbon, and can thrive in extreme environments. Mars and certain moons of Jupiter and Saturn are key targets for exploration due to their potential to support life. Astrobiologists continue to study Earth's extremophiles to better understand life's possibilities in the universe.

What is astrobiology primarily concerned with?

• Developing new technologies for space travel

• Exploring the possibility of life beyond Earth

• Studying the history of Earth

• Analyzing ancient religious texts

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for life as we know it?

• Liquid water

• A source of energy

• Organic carbon-based material

• A magnetic field

What are extremophiles?

• Organisms that can only survive in mild conditions

• Organisms that thrive in extreme environments

• Organisms that require sunlight to survive

• Organisms that are found only in space

Which celestial body is known for having Earth-like lakes and rivers?

• Titan

• Mars

• Europa

• Enceladus

What is the main challenge in studying distant celestial bodies for signs of life?

• The inability to detect carbon-based materials

• The absence of any water sources

• The long time required to build and send instruments

• Lack of interest from scientists