Ref ID:	30148
Ref Type:	Journal Article
Authors:	Des Marais, D. J. Walter, M. R.
Title:	Astrobiology: exploring the origins, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe
Date:	1999
Source:	Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics
Abstract:	The search for the origins of life and its presence beyond Earth is strengthened by new technology and by evidence that life tolerates extreme conditions and that planets are widespread. Astrobiologists learn how planets develop and maintain habitable conditions. They combine biological and information sciences to decipher the origins of life. They examine how biota, particularly microorganisms, evolve, at scales from the molecular to the biosphere level, including interactions with long-term planetary changes. Astrobiologists learn how to recognize the morphological, chemical, and spectroscopic signatures of life in order to explore both extraterrestrial samples and electromagnetic spectra reflected from extrasolar planets.
Date Created:	1/4/2007
Volume:	30
Page Start:	397
Page End:	420