Marikoids

Marikoids are a hypothetical type of organism theorized to exist in environments with extremely high levels of radiation. The concept of marikoids emerged from speculation about how life might adapt to or arise in conditions far exceeding those typically considered habitable. They are named in reference to the possibility of such life forms evolving on worlds with intense stellar radiation, such as those orbiting red dwarf stars or in the vicinity of active galactic nuclei.

The proposed characteristics of marikoids are speculative and focus on biological and biochemical adaptations to radiation. It is hypothesized that they might possess highly efficient DNA repair mechanisms or alternative genetic material that is inherently more resistant to radiation damage. Their cellular structures might also be designed to shield sensitive components from ionizing radiation. Some theories suggest they could incorporate radioisotopes into their biology, either for energy or as a protective measure, though this remains highly speculative.

The existence of marikoids is not supported by direct evidence. They are primarily a concept within astrobiology and theoretical biology, used to explore the outer limits of life's potential. Research into extremophiles on Earth, organisms that thrive in harsh conditions like deep-sea hydrothermal vents or highly acidic environments, provides some basis for considering the possibility of life in extreme extraterrestrial settings. However, the specific conditions posited for marikoids, particularly extreme radiation, are far more severe than those where life is currently known to exist. Their study primarily serves to broaden the scope of where and how life might exist in the universe.