The Triple Lock: A Model of Sequential Bio-Geochemical Filters on the Path to Complex Life

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Autore principale: Igoshev, Tema
Natura: Recurso digital
Lingua:inglese
Pubblicazione: Zenodo 2026
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author Igoshev, Tema
author_facet Igoshev, Tema
contents <p>We propose a physically motivated replacement for the speculative factors fl × fi in the Drake Equation. The Triple Lock Index (TLI) evaluates the probability of<br>complex (eukaryotic) life through three sequential filters: spectral compatibility with oxygenic photosynthesis (Filter 1), a sustained phosphorus cycle via plate tectonics<br>(Filter 2), and an oceanic habitable zone permitting eukaryogenesis under stellar radiation (Filter 3). Applied to a catalogue of 13 worlds, TLI spans five orders of<br>magnitude—from ∼5% (Kepler-442b) to < 10−5% (Proxima b)—identifying eight distinct failure patterns. The model correctly predicts Venus’s failure mode (hydro-<br>sphere loss at Filter 2) in a blind run, generates falsifiable predictions with quan-titative thresholds, and yields N ≈ 56 civilisations in the Galaxy when integrated<br>into the Drake Equation—consistent with the Fermi Paradox. Monte Carlo analysis (10,000 iterations) reveals that TLI uncertainty for well-characterised worlds is ∼28–<br>38×, while for M-dwarf planets it reaches 104–107×, driven by unconstrained XUV fluxes—identifying these as priority observational targets for JWST/HWO/LIFE.</p>
format Recurso digital
id zenodo_https___doi_org_10_5281_zenodo_18810183
institution Zenodo
language eng
publishDate 2026
publisher Zenodo
record_format zenodo
spellingShingle The Triple Lock: A Model of Sequential Bio-Geochemical Filters on the Path to Complex Life
Igoshev, Tema
Great Filter
Fermi Paradox
photosynthesis
phosphorus cycle
eukaryogenesis
M-dwarf habitability
priority effects
<p>We propose a physically motivated replacement for the speculative factors fl × fi in the Drake Equation. The Triple Lock Index (TLI) evaluates the probability of<br>complex (eukaryotic) life through three sequential filters: spectral compatibility with oxygenic photosynthesis (Filter 1), a sustained phosphorus cycle via plate tectonics<br>(Filter 2), and an oceanic habitable zone permitting eukaryogenesis under stellar radiation (Filter 3). Applied to a catalogue of 13 worlds, TLI spans five orders of<br>magnitude—from ∼5% (Kepler-442b) to < 10−5% (Proxima b)—identifying eight distinct failure patterns. The model correctly predicts Venus’s failure mode (hydro-<br>sphere loss at Filter 2) in a blind run, generates falsifiable predictions with quan-titative thresholds, and yields N ≈ 56 civilisations in the Galaxy when integrated<br>into the Drake Equation—consistent with the Fermi Paradox. Monte Carlo analysis (10,000 iterations) reveals that TLI uncertainty for well-characterised worlds is ∼28–<br>38×, while for M-dwarf planets it reaches 104–107×, driven by unconstrained XUV fluxes—identifying these as priority observational targets for JWST/HWO/LIFE.</p>
title The Triple Lock: A Model of Sequential Bio-Geochemical Filters on the Path to Complex Life
topic Great Filter
Fermi Paradox
photosynthesis
phosphorus cycle
eukaryogenesis
M-dwarf habitability
priority effects
url https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18810183