In the context of astrobiology, how is a biosignature defined?
Answer
Something that can be interpreted as evidence for past or present life
NASA defines a potential biosignature as anything that can reasonably be interpreted as evidence supporting the existence of life, either currently or previously.
Related Questions
What two elements does the word 'biosignature' combine?Which category of biosignature often includes complex organic molecules like lipids or nucleic acid components?What atmospheric condition is cited as an example of an indirect biosignature?What ancient terrestrial structure formed by microbial communities is listed as a definitive physical biosignature?What critical challenge must astrobiologists overcome when identifying potential biosignatures on other worlds?The finding that specific organic molecules exist on the Murchison meteorite demonstrates what limitation in the search for life?The Evidence Convergence Principle states that confidence in a biosignature is highest when what occurs?What property of amino acids is considered an incredibly potent chemical biosignature if observed in a highly biased state?In the context of astrobiology, how is a biosignature defined?What type of marker is represented by anomalous ratios of stable isotopes like Carbon-13 to Carbon-12?What aspect of terrestrial biosignatures introduces context, making the finding of microbial life in an Antarctic ice core more surprising than in a known hydrothermal vent?