Quote:
|
Consider the following new definition of life: any self-generating system which decreases local entropy levels over the long term
|
On jupiter storms persist and maintain their structure for centuries, thats pretty long term! ( Menacingly storms on jupiter also consume smaller storms, apparently to sustain themselves).
Large storm systems also tick another box on the GCSE biology list of whats alive: many large storm systems seem to maintain a degree of homeostasis, on earth hurricanes within their eye , on jupiter the interior of the great red spot is actually a
pretty placid place.
From that article:
Quote:
|
Though winds around the edge of the spot peak at about 120 m/s (430 km/h), currents inside it seem stagnant, with little inflow or outflow
|
.
Quote:
|
Life is information shaped by natural selection.
|
The reason there is more bubblegum on the pavement than dust or cigarrette butts is that nature selects bubblegum to stay because its sticky and plastic so it forms a low profile. These properties are determined by bubble gums chemical makeup, which is a form of information, so the information content of the pavement has been altered by natural selection but bubblegum is not alive!
I suppose the point I'm trying to make was best put by Veeger earlier:
Quote:
|
Pretty soon everything is alive and then the discussion becomes pointless
|
Having thought about it i'm of the opinion that it may
be pointless, and that the universe
may be of such complexity and diversity in the kinds of systems and phenomena it gives rise to that trying to put a hard limit on whats life is doomed to failiure.
Quote:
|
Here is a nifty discussion on the related topic on Peter Watts (biologist and SF writer) blog: The Living Dead (Candidatus Desulforudis audaxviator)
|
He is kinda blue isnt he! Good link, despite what i've put above I could easily imagine such a creature surviving beneath the surface of mars today.