Exobiotica: the art and science of speculative biology (science video).

The amazing artist Michael Beaudry’s speculative biology project “Exobiotica” aspires to provide a glimpse into the vast alien ecology of a planet called Veteris. Additionally, even by the standards of theoretical biology, the lifeforms it can document are singularly alien.

But as you take in more art, you start to comprehend the grander narratives of life on Planet Veteris. So let’s shed some light on each region’s mysteries and learn how the broader ecosystems interact.

It is currently not possible to directly observe or study the ecology of an alien planet, as we have yet to contact any extraterrestrial life forms or visit other planets. However, using our current science and understanding, it is possible to imagine and model what an alien ecology might look like based on the principles of biology and ecology that we know of.

One way to do this is to use the principles of convergent evolution, which suggests that similar environments will lead to the development of similar traits and adaptations in different species. By studying the diverse array of life forms on Earth and how they have adapted to their environments, we can make educated guesses about what types of life might exist on other planets and how they might be adapted to their environments.

For example, if we were to imagine an alien planet with a thick, toxic atmosphere, we might expect to find life forms with protective adaptations such as tough skin or exoskeletons, or perhaps respiratory systems that can filter out harmful gases.

Another way to model an alien ecology is to use the principles of abiogenesis, which is the process by which life arises from non-living matter. By studying the chemical reactions that are thought to have led to the emergence of life on Earth, we can speculate about the types of chemical reactions that might lead to the emergence of life on other planets.

While our current understanding of science and the lack of direct observations of alien ecologies still limits us, it is possible to use our knowledge of biology and ecology to imagine and model what an alien ecology might look like. As we continue to learn more about the universe and the ways in which life can arise and adapt to different environments, our understanding of alien ecologies will continue to evolve and improve.