1. In the class notes we make use of the Drake equation as providing a statistical estimate of the number of civilizations that might exist in our Galaxy and are capable of communication. Recently, however, some scientists have argued that the Drake equation is an inaccurate description. This new theory is known as the "Rare Earth Theory" (by Ward and Brownless). Do some research on this new theory and identify what the key components of this theory are that suggests planets like the Earth are much rarer than we think they are.
2. The "RNA World" is an alternative hypothesis to the orgin of life discussed in class. Do some research and determine how deep sea hydrothermal vents provide support to the RNA World Theory.
3. Consider our galaxy to be a very thin circular disk of stars of radius approximately 50,000 light years. If there are currently 2500 civilizations in our galaxy capable of communication, what is the approximate separation of these civilizations (in units of light years) if they are uniformly (e.g. equally spaced) distributed within this circular disk of stars?
4. THIS IS A SERIOUS QUESTION; NOT AN IDLE EXERCISE
Via any social mobility platform that you use, email your digitial friends the following pool to figure out, and make sure you include the preface. You should get responses from at least 10 individuals.
The question:
Based on the responses you got from your circle of friends summarize what you think the relationship between humans and nature must be and whether or not that relationship has played out in the real world.
Preface:
"As the century turned, Africa began to emerge from a Dark Age stretching as far back as life on earth, into all the years that lay ahead - years of Renaissance, Enlightenment, Industry, and, if you will, Anxiety. It is fitting that Grogan made his symbolic trek (across Africa - 1891-92) as a survey for a railroad, the means through which foreign capital, the paraphernalia of technology, and foreigners themselves would enter. But because an incision is also a wound, the railroad was also the means through which the old life suppurated and poured out of Africa. This, then, is the tragic paradox of the white man's encroachment. The deeper he went into Africa, the faster the life flowed out of it, off the plains and out of the bush and into the cities, vanishing in acres of trophies and hides and carcasses. The coming of the white man, who imposed his steel tracks, his brains and his will, on the great continent was attended by glory and courage, ennobled by sacrifice, enriched by science and medicine and law. But it marked the beginning of the end in a land where nature herself had always been sovereign: at once sickness and cure, crime and punishment, beginning and end. Not the least of the signs of decay and dying was the gradual, remorseless end of the wild Game."
--From the End of the Game by Peter Beard
Now Here is the poll. You will ask your friends to indicate the three things that they most strongly agree with and from those 3 things respond to the question above.
The Human is innately (innate means culturally invariant):