Knowledge Tree
Relations (1)
cross_type 2.81 — strongly supporting 5 facts
Silicon is a significant component of the Earth's crust, being 925 times more abundant than carbon as noted in [1], [2], and [3]. Furthermore, [4] and [5] explain that silicon's chemical behavior on Earth, specifically its tendency to oxidize into silicates, makes it unsuitable for life under Earth's environmental conditions as discussed in [6].
Facts (5)
Sources
Hypothetical types of biochemistry - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org 2 facts
measurementSilicon is approximately 925 times more abundant in the Earth's crust than carbon, yet terrestrial life is based on carbon.
measurementSilicon is approximately 925 times more abundant in the Earth's crust than carbon, despite terrestrial life being based on carbon.
Does Life Need to Be Carbon-Based? - Reasons to Believe reasons.org 2 facts
claimSilicon might exhibit the chemical complexity necessary for life at temperatures associated with liquid nitrogen, despite its deficiencies compared to carbon under Earth conditions.
claimSilicon is not found in a free state on Earth because it reacts strongly with oxygen to form silicon dioxide or other silicates.
Carbon may not be the only basis for life. Look for silicon, too bigthink.com 1 fact
claimElemental silicon is unsuitable for life on Earth because it oxidizes into silicates when exposed to atmospheric oxygen or liquid water.