Astronomers have made great strides in sending probes out to other planets and moons in our solar system. If they were to find a living creature some place other than Earth, how could DNA analysis help them better understand the organism? Explain in 1–2 sentences.
1 answer
DNA analysis can help astronomers determine the genetic similarities and differences between the organism and other organisms on Earth, providing insight into its evolutionary history and relationship to life on our planet. This analysis can also help scientists determine if the organism is related to Earth-based life or if it evolved independently, shedding light on the potential for extraterrestrial life in the universe.