| Speculative biology is simultaneously a science and form of art in which one speculates on the possibilities of life and evolution. What could the world look like if dinosaurs had never gone extinct? What could alien lifeforms look like? What kinds of plants and animals might exist in the far future? These questions and more are tackled by speculative biologists, and the Speculative Evolution welcomes all relevant ideas, inquiries, and world-building projects alike. With a member base comprising users from across the world, our community is the largest and longest-running place of gathering for speculative biologists on the web. While unregistered users are able to browse the forum on a basic level, registering an account provides additional forum access not visible to guests as well as the ability to join in discussions and contribute yourself! Registration is free and instantaneous. Join our community today! |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
| Complex Life With No Atmosphere | |
|---|---|
| Topic Started: Jan 19 2010, 12:36 AM (1,378 Views) | |
| TheBioBassist | Jan 19 2010, 12:36 AM Post #1 |
|
Naked Man (who fears no pick pockets)
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I have been wondering if complex life could possibly survive on a planet with enormous temperature swings such as the planet mercury (−183 °C to 427 °C). Is it possible for life to be subterranean and use the temperature change near the surface to create a gradient with the more constant temperature found in deeper layers? Could life use such a gradient for energy? Is anything like this found on earth? I also imagine such thermal powered "plants" to be heavily dependent on animal pollination and seed dispersal as it would be the most effective method underground. Maybe even creating large corridors to encourage animal visitors. Please Comment!! |
|
"The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not "eureka" ( I found it) but "that's funny......"" -Isaac Asimov | |
![]() |
|
| Replies: | |
|---|---|
| Empyreon | Jan 20 2010, 02:11 PM Post #16 |
|
Are you plausible?
![]()
|
Oh, certainly not. With arthropods like the Japanese spider crab, which has a leg span of up to four meters, and the extinct jaekelopterus, creatures that sport an exoskeleton can get pretty big. And given the fact that they'd be primarily aquatic means they could get even bigger if it served their survival.
It's okay. The odds of a grape jelly atmosphere are astronomical, so it's not likely that I'd have to use it as a sound medium.
|
|
Take a look at my exobiology subforum of the planet Nereus! COM Contributions food for thought
| |
![]() |
|
| T.Neo | Jan 20 2010, 02:52 PM Post #17 |
![]()
Translunar injection: TLI
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Well, aquatic arthropods have support from the medium around them, so like whales etc, they can get bigger then land-living ones. I was actually suggesting a different means of exoskeleton development, which would allow for larger sizes. Edited by T.Neo, Jan 20 2010, 02:52 PM.
|
| A hard mathematical figure provides a sort of enlightenment to one's understanding of an idea that is never matched by mere guesswork. | |
![]() |
|
| Empyreon | Jan 20 2010, 10:35 PM Post #18 |
|
Are you plausible?
![]()
|
Yeah, with some sort of "growing plate" method going on. As long as it can keep out the vacuum I say go for it! |
|
Take a look at my exobiology subforum of the planet Nereus! COM Contributions food for thought
| |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| « Previous Topic · The Habitable Zone · Next Topic » |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2











9:31 AM Jul 11