2004-06-21 - 4:06 p.m.

suppose there is a plain, a simple rock plain with no life whatsoever. this plain could represent a typical location on the earth before life were present on it.

suppose then that during a period of time, life is on that plain. after a time, the environmental conditions become so unfavourable that life is extinguished completely from the area.

suppose finally that some time later, the same plain's environmental conditions again become favourable, and life is again present.

could such a plain truly be called 'lifeless', even during the time no life was present there? or would it be better to call it 'dormant'. consider that if all the necessary support structures are present, but the conditions aren't right, life still waits just under the surface.

previous - next