The question of whether an alien race would look similar to us is a topic of speculation and debate in the field of astrobiology. While it is difficult to provide a definitive answer, we can explore some factors that may influence the likelihood of extraterrestrial beings resembling humans.
Convergent Evolution: On Earth, we see examples of convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures. For example, the wings of birds and bats have similar functions despite their different evolutionary origins. If similar environmental conditions were present on another planet, it is possible that life forms there could evolve similar features for survival, such as bilateral symmetry, limbs, or eyes.
Evolutionary Contingency: Evolution is a highly contingent process influenced by countless variables, including the specific conditions of a planet, available resources, and genetic pathways. The specific evolutionary history of Earth has resulted in the diversity of life we see today. If we were to "replay" the tape of evolution on Earth, it is unlikely that the same species would emerge. The same principle applies to the potential development of life on other planets. Given different starting conditions and evolutionary pathways, the likelihood of an alien race resembling humans decreases.
Adaptive Solutions: Evolution tends to produce organisms that are well adapted to their environment. The conditions and challenges faced by life on other planets may differ significantly from those on Earth. Therefore, extraterrestrial life forms may develop unique adaptations and physical features optimized for their specific environments. This could result in a vast array of different body plans and appearances.
Considering these factors, it is generally believed that the chances of an alien race looking nearly identical to humans are very low. However, it's important to note that the universe is vast, containing billions of galaxies, each with billions of stars. Within this vastness, the possibility of some similarities cannot be ruled out entirely. The diversity of life on Earth itself shows that there are many ways for life to thrive and adapt. So, while the exact replication of human-like beings may be highly unlikely, the potential for life forms with certain similarities or recognizable traits exists somewhere in the vastness of the universe.