Why extremophiles bode well for life beyond Earth - Louisa Preston
139,705 Views
3,662 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
Life on Earth requires three things: liquid water, a source of energy within a habitable range from the sun and organic carbon-based material. But life is surprisingly resilient, and organisms called extremophiles can be found in hostile living conditions (think extreme temperatures and little access to oxygen). Louisa Preston argues why extremophiles give astrobiologists hope for life in the universe.
NASA’s Curiosity Rover is exploring Gale Crater, an impact crater created by a meteor 3.8 billion years ago. NASA chose the site because there are past traces of water. Where else on Mars might the rover want to explore to look for signs of life?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Louisa Preston
- Animator Emanuel Friberg
- Narrator Louisa Preston
