Evolutionary biologist releases new book explaining his theory of convergent evolution, which predicts that alien life exists.
The general population is split on theories concerning the existence of alien life forms. Now an evolutionary biologist from the University of Cambridge, England, has weighed in with his own beliefs on the matter, according to RT.
Alien life very similar to human beings
Simon Conway Morris not only believes that aliens exist on planets with similar conditions as Earth, he thinks that they look fairly similar to humans and can even experience orgasms.
Morris believes that the creatures have probably been around for longer than humans, and their existence is so probable that he is surprised that we have not found them yet. His belief draws on the evolutionary phenomenon known as convergence.
“Often, research into convergence is accompanied by exclamations of surprise, describing it as uncanny, remarkable and astonishing,” he said, during an interview with the International Business Times.
“In fact it is everywhere, and that is a remarkable indication that evolution is far from a random process. And if the outcomes of evolution are at least broadly predictable, then what applies on Earth will apply across the Milky Way, and beyond,” he continued.
Theory developed in new book
Certain scientists are becoming more and more convinced about the idea that alien life exists. Morris claims evolution follows a general pattern, and that the existence of complex organs such as the eye, as well as tool-making and the ability to experience orgasms, are all almost inevitably going to occur as life develops.
One example that Morris gives to support his theory of convergence are octopus eyes, which display a number of similarities to human eyes. Morris sets out his theory in a new book entitled “Runes of Life,” in which he argues that there exists a universal map of life.
He believes that different species will develop similar qualities due to convergent evolution, which is far from being a random series of events.
Scientists searching for alien life
Plans are afoot to start sending information into the cosmos in order to test the theory that alien life exists in other star systems. Prominent U.S. astronomers at the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute in California announced the plans in February.
“There could be many civilizations out there but if they are all listening and no one is broadcasting then nothing will happen,” said David Black, astrophysicist and SETI chief executive.
The scientists will use radio telescopes to send a regular stream of messages into space containing information about the human race, in the hope of provoking other life forms to make contact.
Both Morris and the team at SETI believe that the chances of alien life existing are high, but their theory is contested by various other scientists. A team at Pennsylvania University conducted research into nearly 100,000 nearby large galaxies, and found no sign of highly advanced alien civilizations.
The study concluded that either intelligent life does not exist on alien planets, or it exists in forms that humans do not yet understand. However given the parameters of that study, the possibility that alien life exists cannot be completely ruled out.
If Morris’ theory is to be believed, human-like alien life should indeed exist, we just haven’t found it yet.
