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Life As A Continuum
- Life resists simple binary labels; there's a continuum from nonliving chemistry to fully living cells.
- Drawing a taxonomy of chemical complexity is more useful than a rigid definition.
Chemical Signatures Over Random Mixes
- Biosignatures seek chemical selectivity that random processes don't produce.
- NASA targets such idiosyncratic molecule patterns to infer biology.
Practical Limits On Where Life Might Arise
- Habitability narrows search: liquid water, suitable temperature and carbon-based chemistry matter.
- Rocks and minerals supply essential elements and influence where complex chemistry can occur.