Dominant Life Forms Should Aliens Arrive on Earth: A Speculative Species Overview

The concept of alien visitation to our planet has long fascinated both scientists and the general public. The idea of which species might be considered dominant by extraterrestrial intelligence is an intriguing one. This article explores several potential candidates from various perspectives, providing a speculative yet thought-provoking discussion on this fascinating topic.

Intelligent Machines as Dominators

Should an extraterrestrial species manage to traverse the vast distances of space and find themselves on Earth, their viewpoint might be fundamentally different from ours. These beings, if intelligent enough to undertake such a journey, are unlikely to be biologically based due to the significant life span considerations. Instead, they might consider the dominant life-form on Earth to be machines, particularly automobiles. To them, humans would merely be infestations similar to how a dog might be infested by fleas.

Politicians and Climate Change Deniers as Dominance Factors

From an ethical standpoint, should these hypothetical aliens know Earth's history, they might be inclined to consider politicians and those who deny the existence of climate change as the dominant life-form. These individuals are arguably the most significant contributors to the destruction of Earth's ecosystem and the well-being of its inhabitants.

Mice: Experiments in Human Behavior

Another interesting consideration is mice. Some researchers and thinkers believe that mice might be more intelligent and profound than we give them credit for. They propose that mice could be pandimensional beings who have been experimenting on humans for a long time, running them through mazes to understand human behavior. Additionally, mice have a significant impact on the ecosystem and could be seen as a more dominant presence than humans due to their influence on both natural and urban environments.

Cattle: The Hidden Dominance

Lets turn our attention to one of Earth's most abundant mammals: cattle. Assuming the aliens are intelligent enough to consider arthropods, annelids, molluscs, and fish as lacking the necessary requirements for "dominance," livestock, particularly cattle, emerge as a compelling candidate. Cattle make up the largest portion of Earth's mammalian biomass, and they control their population by voluntarily submitting to painless culling. They also provide sustenance for humans, essentially serving as a “dominant” species that supports the entire ecosystem.

The Prokaryotic Microorganisms: Eternal Dominance

Lastly, some might argue that the most dominant life-form on Earth is not a single species at all but a vast number of prokaryotic microorganisms. These tiny organisms have been here long before us and will continue to exist long after us. They play a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's balance and are essential for many of the processes that sustain life. While we might not see them as dominant in the conventional sense, their influence and importance cannot be overstated.

Civilizations and Leadership

Considering the concept of dominance from a different angle, one might argue that there are different types of dominance - military, scientific, and peaceful. From a military standpoint, the species with the largest nuclear arsenals could be seen as the top contender. However, from a more ethereal and prestigious standpoint, those at peace with themselves and not excessively focused on material goods might be seen as the best leaders.

In conclusion, the idea of which species might be considered dominant by hypothetical or actual extraterrestrial observers is a complex and thought-provoking one. Whether it is intelligent machines, cattle, or prokaryotic microorganisms, these species all play a significant role in shaping the Earth's ecosystem and its inhabitants' lives.