On the Broader Sense of Life and Evolution: Its Mechanisms, Origin and Probability across the Universe

Abstract

We consider connection between the mechanisms of evolution of life and the existence of conditions suitable for life in the universe. In particular we review the problem of calculating the number of civilizations that might exist in the universe. We conclude that to solve this problem, the different mechanisms involved in the evolution of life should be taken into account in addition to well-known factors, such as mechanisms involved in star formation in galaxies, mechanisms leading to the self-destruction of civilizations, self-organization processes in planetary atmospheres and other factors. However, realistic times of existence and evolution of life (civilizations) can only be obtained under the assumption that evolution is partially directed. On this basis, a mechanism for the evolution of life in the universe– which contains the evolution of life on Earth as a special case– is proposed.