Stumblebum Posted November 2, 2005 Share Posted November 2, 2005 Can decomposition occur without other lifeforms? If an astronaut was to die on a planet complete with moderate temperatures and devoid of life would decomposition be possible? Could the bacteria living on or within the astronaut's body do the job? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mokele Posted November 2, 2005 Share Posted November 2, 2005 Yes. If there are bacteria on or in the astronaut, they'll do it. If, somehow, he's totally sterilized (gamma rays or something), he'll just stick around a LONG time, while his body breaks down through abiotic means like erosion, radiation destroying chemicals in his cells, cracking from heat and cold, etc. He'd be sorta like a small, squishy rock. Mokele Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glider Posted November 2, 2005 Share Posted November 2, 2005 It's the bacteria that exist in our bodies that are mainly responsible for decomposition anyway. Decomposition always begins in the gut and the abdomen becomes discoloured blue/green after about 12 hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now