Meridiani Planum on Mars as an Ancient Bacteria Sponge Ecosystem (first draft)
jonathan
Comments welcome.
Meridiani Planum as an Ancient Bacteria Sponge Ecosystem
The first part deals with the methods used to arrive at
the conclusion that Meridiani Planum on Mars was the site
of a living ecosystem similar to the earliest multi-cellular
life that evolved on earth. The second part explains
the evidence for this conclusion.
Complexity science uses methods of understanding
natural or adaptive systems that are difficult for many
to accept.
The basic idea springs from chaos theory and the
mathematics of edge of chaos states. Which is
a transition state from a static to chaotic behavior.
It is the transition state itself and how it enters and
exits that is the subject of study. This realm is analogous
to the state that exists just as water is turning to steam.
The system is neither water or gas, but chaotically
jumping between the two during that narrow transition
state.
This edge state displays such chaotic and unpredictable
behavior that conventional reductionist methods are
generally futile. The way that chaos and complexity science
deals with such a phase change is by inversing....rigorously...
all the primary frames of reference and methods of
classical scientific techniques.
Complexity science looks at the output first, in order
to gain understanding of the input. This method also
inverses the frame by beginning with a global or ecosystem
view. One begins an analysis by looking at the largest
scale system behavioral properties or patterns. In order
to characterize the behavior and states of the components.
One reason this method is so successful at dealing with real
world dynamic systems is due to the basic tenets of
chaos theory. Which are;
Simple systems give rise to chaotic behavior.
Complex systems give rise to simple behavior.
A 'simple' system is where the components
are predictable.
A 'complex' system is where the components
are chaotic.
A forest that is stripped of diversity is a simple system
and the output will be unstable or chaotic.
An old-growth forest has highly diverse, dynamic and
unpredictable component behavior due to their massive
level of complexity. Its global behavior or output will be
stable and predictable.
It's an axiom in complexity science that organized systems
such as life will have component behavior that is
chaotic and unpredictable. So beginning an analysis
of a self-organized system by looking first at the smallest
scale component details is considered an exercise
in futility. They should be considered last, after an
ecosystem understanding of the system is gained.
The global system properties, or patterns of behavior
give an accurate view of the component states. In
particular this method would focus on emergent
system behavior or features.
The concept of emergence is crucial to understanding
the effectiveness of this new science.
A system that has attained self-organized criticality will
display global output behavior that is easy to see. Such
a system will display emergent properties not describable
in part terms. "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts"
is the cliché that must be constantly remembered. Such as the
self-tuning ability of markets. A property that only exists as a
result of an active system, a property that ceases to exist
when examining the components in isolation.
Such emergent properties ...cannot...be predicted by an
examination of the components. An animal cannot predict
the emergence of intelligence, for example.
Such emergence is understandable and their effects
can be seen and measured. But only the effects, such
properties by definition cannot be placed on a
table, weighed and touched. For emergent properties are
not tangible objects but ...properties... of the whole.
Emergent features are dependent on all the primary components
of the system and can only be fully understood when
the connectivity to the other components are included.
An ecosystem view is the only alternative for analyzing these
emergent higher level properties of self-organizing systems.
Since complexity science deals with the edge mechanics
that only exist in dynamical motion almost intractable to
deterministic equations. And with emergent properties that are not
physical objects, complexity science typically avoids dealing
in ...'facts'. However conventional axiomatic frames are
re-imposed onto complexity science when applying these
concepts in building or designing some tangible system.
But for a conceptual or theoretical analysis the system
specific details are irrelevant. Complexity science is
a supra-science that can be applied universally
when dealing with any real world natural system, or
more specifically, any complex adaptive system.
Since 'objective' measurements deconstruct the whole
into its constituent components, the emergent properties
and edge states immediately disappear as one seeks static
objectivity or repeatability.
So complexity science teaches and practices subjective methods
as a result. One cannot remove a component from the whole
without destroying the system properties being studied.
An Introduction to Complex Systems
Torsten Reil, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
http://users.ox.ac.uk/~quee0818/complexity/complexity.html
INVESTIGATIONS
STUART A. KAUFFMAN
http://www.santafe.edu/sfi/People/kauffman/Investigations.html
The Complexity & Artificial Life Research Concept
for Self-Organizing Systems
http://www.calresco.org/index.htm
..........................................................................
Meridiani
Meridiani is an ecosystem with clear and obvious
emergent features.
The primary features of Meridiani are the soil, the dunes, the
spheres and the layered outcrops. Each of these features
display properties not fully describable in isolation. Each
require interaction with the others to exist and are thus
emergent features. The level of order displayed at Meridiani
clearly shows these features have been communicating with
each other, constraining and shaping each other. This
connectivity requires a suitable medium. So the images
show clear evidence a body of water existed. The images
alone of the emergent order leaves no doubt with this
conclusion. Chemical or other deterministic methods
are unnecessary as the forms and order are far more
informative.
But from the images only how can we then jump to the
next question, did the next higher emergent order of life take hold?
This question can be answered if the order observed
could not be explained with non-living mechanisms.
We have just such emergent order, the outward
physical structure of the spheres.
The spheres show both symmetrical and asymmetrical features.
Asymmetrical features are the product of dynamical and random
processes. Such processes produce a wide variety of structure, shapes
and sizes due to the random element in dynamic processes. Since many
of the spheres show the very ...same... asymmetrical
structures, a logical contradiction is obvious and a non-living
explanation is ruled out.
This added level of emergent order displayed by the spheres are
conclusive they are a product of life.
Since it is conclusive that life existed at Meridiani, the next question
becomes an attempt to characterize the type of life and the level
of diversity. That answer also comes easily.
In complexity science there is a relationship between the
complexity of the emergent order and the level of niche filling
that has occurred. For example, a forest would display numerous
and complex nested emergent features due to the enormous
diversity and niche filling that has occurred.
A system with only a few emergent properties would indicate
that life there is correspondingly simple and of low diversity.
Meridiani shows but four primary emergent properties, the soil, the
dunes, the spheres and the layered outcrops. This defines the very minimum.
So it is easy to conclude Meridiani is a minimum or 'entry level' ecosystem.
That observation allows a dramatic limiting of possibility space
for the next question. What type of life...exactly...exists there.
Since the edge of chaos effect and self-organization are universal
properties, and are properties that spontaneously find the
optimum for the given conditions. One can make the assumption
that life, given similar conditions, will follow very well-worn
grooves. Life will adapt to its environment and the environment
will be altered by that life until both happen to become
just-right for each other.
It is a mathematical limit and eventual certainty that life 'finds a way'
to the optimum state for the given conditions.
With these properties in hand, using earth as an example to guide
further investigation in entirely valid.
Since Meridiani is an entry level ecosystem that has likely taken
the first large critical step into life, looking at the same first step on
earth gives an accurate guide. Provided one constantly adjusts
for any known differences between the two ecosystems.
Among the first organisms on earth are theorized to be
various sulfur reducing bacteria. This bacteria is thought to
contribute directly to the very first multi-cellular animal life
on earth, which is a sponge. The two still have a symbiotic, or even a
mutual relationship, and can supply each others food source.
At this point a quick sanity check is needed. Would
the conditions on Mars allow this first step to take
place, are the conditions suitable?
Sulfur reducing bacteria thrive in low oxygen and
high salinity environments, such as deep underground
or in wells. When exposed to oxygen such bacteria
emit sulfates, well water often smells of sulfur as a result.
Sponges, of course, need a shallow marine environment
and tend to be reef-builders. The agreement between the
deduced life form and the environment in question
is quite high in this case, perhaps ideal.
So the sanity check gives a very high level of confidence
to proceed further with the logical reduction.
An ecosystem this simple and basic means very little
diversity would be expected. So one can assume any
bacteria sponge symbiosis would reflect the very bottom
of their respective phylum's on earth.
The sponge on Meridiani must be similar to the most
ancient and simple sponge on earth, likewise with its
symbiotic bacteria.
At this point I have deduced the type of life present
at Meridiani to a very small subset using only
the images and basic environmental conditions.
The task now becomes to prove this deductive approach
has converged on the truth and not taken a drastic wrong
turn. This can be done simply, as only a very ...few... 'facts'
or observations....confirming....the deductions are needed
to validate the entire path of reasoning.
One of the beauties of this approach is not only that just a few
facts are needed, but I know precisely what to look for...
....and where. The efficiency of this method should be clear.
If this is a sponge bacteria ecosystem I would only need
to find a couple of images that show sponges exist there.
Such as a couple of long skeletal thread-like spicules.
Or some other evidence that can only be associated with
such a sponge. One good image of a thread exists, the bare
minimum of evidence. Not sufficient for proof, but even this
'thin' evidence is enough to persuade.
But we have another gigantic emergent mystery at Meridiani.
The spheres.
If I can somehow relate them to suitable sponges the entire
theory is completely ...proven.
The gemmules pictured below correspond to the observed
structure and context of the observed spheres in many
different ways. An astonishing level of correspondence
in my opinion. Far greater than I would have imagined.
The correspondence between the spheres are gemmules are;
Both have grainy surfaces.
Both are spherical.
Both display non-symmetrical features.
Both display an aperture.
Both display an off-center slash.
Both would occasionally bubble out from the aperture.
Both at times show a lack of these asymmetrical features, the
gemmule displays them or not depending on whether
it's dormant or ready to hatch etc.
A gemmule would be released into the water periodically, so
it should be seen helping build the soil.
A gemmule would be distributed from point sources into the
water, and show a random and uniform spatial distribution.
When hatching, the release through the aperture is designed
to adhere to rocks.
Gemmules are highly resistant to cold and low humidity conditions.
The sulfur reducing bacteria should leave behind a
large amount, and diversity, of sulfates.
This is far more then enough to come to a clear conclusion
that the very first symbiotic life that evolved on earth has
also emerged at Meridiani. A simple ecosystem consisting
of a some variety of sulfate reducing bacteria and freshwater
sponge such as spongilla.
If the concept of a freshwater sponge evolving in such a hostile
environment seems unlikely, it should be noted that freshwater systems
are exposed to far more diverse conditions of ph, temperature
salinity etc. While sea water is highly constant, a freshwater
species would be far more tolerant and adaptive to harsh
or changing conditions. Invertebrates are also known to
inhabit sulfate waters on earth.
Jonathan
"THE BRAIN is wider than the sky,
For, put them side by side,
The one the other will include
With ease, and you beside.
The brain is deeper than the sea,
For, hold them, blue to blue,
The one the other will absorb,
As sponges, buckets do.
The brain is just the weight of God,
For, lift them, pound for pound,
And they will differ, if they do,
As syllable from sound."
By Emily Dickinson
"The sulfates and the other chemicals found in the rocks at this location
on Mars also occur on Earth, but only rarely. In places like
Rio Tinto, Spain, similar minerals are forming today, and
microorganisms live and thrive there."
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/mer2004/rover-images/mar-03-2004/captions/image-1.html
Sphere close up of Opportunity outcrop
1) http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/1/m/028/1M130671782EFF0454P2953M2M1.HTML
Gemmule photo
2) http://waynesword.palomar.edu/plfeb96.htm#gemmules
Sphere with bubble
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/1/m/028/1M130672510EFF0454P2933M2M1.HTML
"During the spring gemmule "hatch", the peripheral thesocytes
differentiate into a pinacoderm that balloons out, like a bubblegum
bubble, through the micropyle. This micropyle bubble makes
contact and attaches to the substratum"
http://64.78.63.75/samples/04BIORuppertInvertebrateZoology7ch5.pdf
Raw thread images
3) http://www.earthfiles.com/news/news.cfm?ID=662&category=Science
4) http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/1/m/019/1M129869847EFF0338P2953M2M1.HTML
Sponges on the base of Metazoa evolution .... Dissertation
http://webdoc.gwdg.de/diss/2003/hoffmann/hoffmann.pdf
Sponge wall image? Left of center
5) http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/1/m/014/1M129426966EFF0300P2932M1M1.HTML
Diagram of sponge wall, bottom of page
6) http://paleo.cortland.edu/tutorial/Protista/porifera.htm
Overhead views of Meridiani
http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/2004/01/24/
All raw Rover images can be found here
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/opportunity.html
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