Terraforming Mars

What is the meaning of the word indigenous as it is used in Para. 4?

• strong and vigorous

• possessing higher mental capacity

• threatened with extinction

• originating in a particular place

Which phrase from Para. 4 clarifies the meaning of indigenous?

• small colonies

• native habitats

• natural protections

• harsh conditions

What is the central argument contained in Para. 6?

• The danger of bacterial contamination from Earth could make it difficult to determine whether there is native life on Mars.

• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty guarantees that Mars should not be terraformed in any way

• It is almost impossible that any life could survive on the surface of Mars.

• Landers and Rovers are routinely being sent to Mars in order to investigate if there is any native life on the surface.

Which excerpt from paragraph 6 directly undermines that argument?

• "it would seem prudent to try to protect Mars as much as we can"

• "it would complicate the search for life there"

• "it would be very difficult if not impossible to survive on the Martian surface"

• "all spacecraft going to the Moon or Mars are sterilized as much as possible"

How does the author develop the primary claim of the article in Para. 5?

• He allows for an important exception to the general applicability of the argument.

• He affirms the validity of the argument despite information that might seem to challenge it

• He suggests that future research will reveal how critical the argument is for humanity’s survival.

• He criticizes the way many people in the past have ignored the persuasiveness of the argument.

In which quotation does the author make an argument using the same technique as in Part A?

• “There is a natural desire to explore as far as we can go, and also to extend humanity’s presence on a permanent or at least semi-permanent basis. In order to do this, however, it is necessary to adapt to different extreme environments.” (Paragraph 1)

• “Although still a long ways off technologically, terraforming the Red Planet is seen as a future possibility. Perhaps the bigger question is, should we?” (Paragraph 2)

• “It has also been suggested that Martian caves would make ideal human habitats, serving as natural protection from the harsh conditions on the surface. True, but if it turned out that something else was already taking up residence in them, then we should leave them alone.” (Paragraph 4)

• “If bacteria from Earth made it to the Martian surface and survived, it would complicate the search for life there; if a lander or rover was to later identify living organisms in the soil, it might be difficult to determine whether they were just contamination or true native life forms. From both a scientific and ethical perspective, it would seem prudent to try to protect Mars as much as we can from earthly intruders.” (Paragraph 6)