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Origin Of Life On Mars Dbq Essay

Decent Essays

Ashton Tang 1/22/15
Science 6-308
Science RST MP 2
Ever since the origin of Earth was found, this question has wandered in the air. What will happen when Earth becomes uninhabitable? Scientists have turned to the next closest planet to Earth, Mars. There have been signs in the past of life on Mars. Many think that space exploration could be a reality. On the other hand, many think that the thought itself is unreasonable. Despite the sheet of ice found on Mars (Source D) and the possibility of extremophiles surviving in harsh conditions, the possibility of life on Mars is, indeed, a fantasy. The environment on Mars is too harsh to live in, there have been no signs of life on …show more content…

Mars’ conditions make it extremely difficult for any type of living organism to survive. The text states “7) Environmental reaction. All animals interact with their environment.” (Source A). Furthermore, the ext in Source B states “‘We don’t find nitrates in the Martian soil,’ said Catling. ‘All life on earth uses Nitrogen. In proteins, [Nitrogen] is a structural element that holds life together. Life takes Nitrogen directly out of the air and puts it into the soil to form nitrates. But we don’t see nitrates on Mars.” This shows that if any type of organism known to us would not be able to survive on Mars. All life must rely on their environment, and they must rely on nitrogen as well. However, there is no nitrogen in the Martian soil, so the animals would quickly die off. Furthermore, Source B also states that there is too much carbon monoxide in the air for animals to survive. This is harmful to animals, and they could not survive in such conditions on

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