Essence of life and multiformity of its realization: expected signatures of life Original Research Article

The question on the essence of life as phenomenon is the key one for astrobiology, since the answer to this question determines “breadth of our outlook”. Taking Earthʹs version of life as the pattern extremely under-estimates our estimation of the probability of life origin and respectively expected probability of extraterrestrial life discovery. In the paper the hypothetical key attribute of life in general is selected on the base of comparative analyses and deductive inference. Simulation conducted on the base of neural network model shows that the same function could be realized by means of great variety of structures, which originated in the course of an evolutionary process. So multiplicity of evolutionary outcomes essentially increases the probability of final result – realization of an integrated function providing fitness to environment. Life as the integrated function can be realized via great variety of development ways and structures. A logical consequence of definitions for life as phenomenon is suggested. Final one is “Life is specific organization of informational and energetic processes coupling, enabling choice-making, and displayed as anomalies of different kinds”. Anomalies of visible form, mechanical movement, chemical composition and noticeable response are considered. Presented in the paper sweeping generalization is not rigorously proven, however it can play heuristic role in increasing the level of specificity of searching for extraterrestrial life.