Life in Alternate Environments
http://www.cita.utoronto.ca/~murray/GLG130/Lectures/Lecture_twenty.html

Norma Murray, Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics


This online lecture provides information about life in extreme environments from the perspective of an undergraduate geology class. It explores current conditions for life, the origins of life, and contemporary harsh environments- particularly the ocean floor. A few extremophiles are introduced: thermophiles, psychrophiles, acidophiles, alkaliphiles, and halophiles. The possibility of life on other planets is examined by highlighting Mars, Europa, Enceladus, Titan, Io, Jovian planets, comets, and meteorites. Images and links to related websites and publications are included.


Subject: Biology:Ecology:Symbiotic Relations:Mutualism, Biology:Biogeochemistry, Evolution:Principles, Biology:Astrobiology, Microbiology
Resource Type: Course Information:Course Site:Course Notes
Grade Level: College Lower (13-14), High School (9-12)
Extreme Environments: Hypersaline, Extremely Hot, Acidic, Extremely Cold, Alkaline
Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Biogeoscience