Scientists Discover Microbe That Challenges Traditional Definitions of Life
Defining 'life' remains a complex challenge, with scientists debating criteria such as metabolism, reproduction, and evolution, especially when considering microorganisms, viruses, and potential extraterrestrial life forms. The lack of a universal definition complicates astrobiological searches, prompting a focus on anomalies and broader criteria like self-sustaining chemical systems capable of Darwinian evolution, while acknowledging the limitations of Earth-centric examples.
