Do we live in a "galactic ecosystem"? Once we evolve into a true space-faring, interstellar race, will we bump into other alien species competing for the bounty of our galaxy's resources?

Could such a competition define mankind as a Milky Way heavyweight? Or due to our willingness to "reach out" to extraterrestrials, might we get exterminated/assimilated/eaten faster than we can say "You were right, Stephen Hawking!"?

Should we just stay quiet, in case our ET neighbors don't like us?

It's a little too late to worry about that.  To read the rest of the article, click here.