Could microbes inhabiting extreme desert environments be a gateway to life on the Martian surface?

Abstract

<p>Existence of life outside the Earth is a mystery that human beings have been searching for centuries. In the past few decades, discovering microbes in extremely terrestrial habitats has opened a gateway to the possible existence of life on Mars. This review presented evidence of microbial life in extremely dry environments such as the Atacama Desert and McMurdo Dry Valleys, which serve as possible analogues for Martian conditions. The survival strategies of microbes, including their ability to penetrate rock pores and cave-like features in these extreme environments, highlighted the potential parallels in life strategies on Mars. It offered insights into how extraterrestrial life might have originated, evolved, and migrated between planets. Moreover, the review discussed the challenges associated with finding extraterrestrial life and proposed strategies to overcome these obstacles. Deep multidisciplinary investigations, approached with great caution, are imperative for detecting signs of life on the Red Planet and ensuring the survival of the human community.</p>