Title: 10 Lesser Known Factors that Support Life on Earth - Earthly Universe
Headings: 10 Lesser Known Factors that Support Life on Earth
10 Lesser Known Factors that Support Life on Earth
#1. The Moon
#2. Volcanic Eruptions
#3. Greenhouse Gasses
#4. Galactic Position
#5. Good Jupiter
#6. Molten Core
#7. Suitable Size
#8. Life-Giving Chemistry
#9. Energy
#10. Ancient Life

Content: Suitable Size
NASA
Mars is a good example of a planet that’s not massive enough to retain a breathable atmosphere for long enough that complex life may evolve. While it’s common knowledge that Earth-like life cannot exist on something as small as an asteroid or as large as a gas giant, the planetary size and mass requirements are rather more rigid than many people realise. Mass is by far the most important planetary characteristic, since it directly translates into surface gravity and, in turn, to atmosphere retention and geological activity. For example, Mars’ low mass, relative to its size, makes it difficult to hold onto a breathable atmosphere and, consequently, prevent water from evaporating instantly. Geological activity also ceases sooner on smaller planets, transforming them into cold, dead worlds, before any kind of complex life has a chance to establish a foothold. #8. Life-Giving Chemistry
Pixabay
All life on Earth is composed of six fundamental elements: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulphur, as well as trace amounts of various other elements. Many of the factors that support life on Earth are specific to the past and present ecosystems of our planet. In other words, alternative biochemistries, such as those that rely on chemicals other than water or those that use entirely different building blocks, would have a completely different set of requirements.