How do meteorites impact the Earth and other living things?

Although serious impacts are rare, they are thought to have played a big role in shaping the evolution of life on Earth. ... comets, and analysis of some meteorites has suggested that amino acids and other organic compounds may have formed in space, rather than being present as a result of contamination of the samples. read more

The event brought to the world's attention the very real hazards associated with the impact of objects from outer space. A Meteorite is a piece of rock from outer space that strikes the surface of the Earth. A Meteoroid is a meteorite before it hits the surface of the Earth. read more

Ozone is concentrated mainly in the stratosphere, where it absorbs solar radiation, protecting Earth's living organisms from the ultraviolet light from the sun. UV radiation is harmful to DNA; without the atmosphere’s ozone, living organisms could not exist and thrive as they do now. UV light causes cancer and cataracts, and it damages DNA. read more