Final answer:
The discovery of exoplanets has informed us of the diversity of planetary systems and has reshaped our understanding of the origin and development of our own solar system, with implications for the existence of extraterrestrial life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discovery of extrasolar planets, or exoplanets, has revolutionized our understanding of the origin of our solar system in two significant ways. First, it has shown us the remarkable diversity of planetary systems, which has challenged pre-existing models of planetary formation. Observations reveal that planets can greatly differ in size, some being super-Earths or even gas giants orbiting close to their parent stars, contrary to the layout of our own solar system. Second, the frequency of planets around other stars gives us important data on how common planetary systems may be, affecting theories regarding the potential ubiquity of life in the universe.
The discovery that most stars form with planets suggests that our solar system may not be as unique as once thought. This has implications for the probability of life elsewhere, prompting us to reevaluate how life arose on Earth, considering the potential existence of countless other habitable worlds. Therefore, understanding exoplanets aids in placing our solar system into a broader cosmic context and refines our comprehension of its formation and the likelihood of life across the galaxy.