Select two (2) representations of extra-terrestrials in popular culture (movies, books, TV, graphic novels, … ) but this time pick ONE representation of an extra-terrestrial creature that you feel is the most realistic depiction of what extra-terrestrial life might look like, and ONE representation of an extra-terrestrial creature that you feel is completely unrealistic and very unlikely to exist anywhere in the Universe. If you can find creatures that are represented to be living on their world of origin, you can also comment about whether their home planet is realistic or not. Use anything you’ve learned in the class about how life arises and evolves, what life if most likely made of, what the basic energy/metabolic needs for life are, what environments are most likely to support life, or anything else you’ve learned. Extra points if you can figure out what was the motivation/intent of the author when they designed their extra-terrestrial creature: were they going for comedic effect? Satire? Shock value? Did the creature serve a narrative purpose? Should they be taken seriously or not? Express your opinion.
