We are currently looking for life on Mars and other planets - and looking hard. But as an ignorant observer, I wonder about the real probability of finding life - regardless how small. The conditions for life to begin are extremely rare (relatively speaking it seems). But when it does, it seems life will evolve and spread constantly. Earth has shown that life (in some form) exists in almost every conceivable spot on the planet - even the most harsh environments. And from what I can tell the environment on Earth 2 billion years ago when life began was certainly not the lush tropic filled world we see now; it would have been a barren wasteland. So....when I look at Mars, I have very little faith that we will find anything beyond:
1) Evidence that life may have once existed for a very, very short time
2) Any existing life is in an extremely early form of development like that of the Earth 2 billion years ago.
Regardless how harsh the environment on Mars - I cannot help but believe that if life had ever evolved millions or billions of years ago - it is a very high probability that the planet would be teaming with life, which would require very little effort to find/discover. The fact that we are having to search so hard indicates to me - very little chance of finding life. But of course, that doesn't mean will not find other interesting aspects (perhaps flowing water at one time).
Then again, I could be completely wrong...
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