In the movie, Lost in Space, spider-like creatures attacked members of the Robinson family as they explored an abandoned spaceship. Maureen (the mom) scans the creatures and reports that the spiders are silicon-based life-forms.
(1) If silicon-based life exists, would it be able to consume carbon-based life, digest it, and use the products as nutrients? Why or why not?
(2) Why do potential space explorers need to be able to produce all of the food that they will need, regardless of whether life is found elsewhere?