Published In

Astrobiology

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2003

Subjects

Life on other planets, Trace fossils -- Biosignatures, Fossils -- Morphology, Stromatolites, Paleobiology

Abstract

This report provides a rationale for the advances in instrumentation and understanding needed to assess claims of ancient and extraterrestrial life made on the basis of morphological biosignatures. Morphological biosignatures consist of bona fide microbial fossils as well as microbially influenced sedimentary structures. To be recognized as evidence of life, microbial fossils must contain chemical and structural attributes uniquely indicative of microbial cells or cellular or extracellular processes. When combined with various research strategies, high-resolution instruments can reveal such attributes and elucidate how morphological fossils form and become altered, thereby improving the ability to recognize them in the geological record on Earth or other planets. Also, before fossilized microbially influenced sedimentary structures can provide evidence of life, criteria to distinguish their biogenic from non-biogenic attributes must be established. This topic can be advanced by developing process-based models. A database of images and spectroscopic data that distinguish the suite of bona fide morphological biosignatures from their abiotic mimics will avoid detection of false-positives for life. The use of high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic instruments, in conjunction with an improved knowledge base of the attributes that demonstrate life, will maximize our ability to recognize and assess the biogenicity of extraterrestrial and ancient terrestrial life.

Description

This is a copy of an article published in Astrobiology Copyright 2003 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc;

Astrobiology is available online at: http://online.liebertpub.com

DOI

10.1089/153110703769016442

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/7212

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