Should We Terraform Mars? Quiz

What is the main topic discussed in the opinion piece by Paul Scott Anderson?

• The history of science fiction books and movies about Mars

• The process by which Mars could be altered to be inhabitable by humans

• The risks associated with space travel to the Moon

• The future possibilities of colonizing the Moon

What is terraforming according to the text?

• The process of exploring outer space

• The process of taking control over a place

• The process of modifying the atmosphere and environment to make it more Earth-like

• The process of building self-sustaining colonies on the Moon

Why is Mars considered different when it comes to colonization, as mentioned in the text?

• Because it has indigenous life forms that we need to study

• Because it is too far away to consider colonization

• Because it offers the possibility of modifying the environment, unlike the Moon

• Because it is not possible to create a self-sustaining colony on Mars

What is the definition of colonization as provided in the text?

• The process of exploring and settling in outer space

• The process of adapting to different extreme environments

• The process of taking control over a place

• The process of building a self-sustaining environment

According to the text, what is still a long ways off technologically?

• Building a base on the Moon

• Terraforming the Red Planet

• Finding indigenous life on Mars

• Adapting to extreme environments on Earth

What is a significant concern when considering the terraforming of Mars?

• Whether humans should inhabit a new planet just because they can

• The cost of transporting materials to Mars

• The potential impact on indigenous life on Mars

• The ability to create a self-sustaining colony on Earth

What does the word "pristine" mean in the context of the text?

• Contaminated

• In its original condition

• Overpopulated

• Fully explored

What is the attitude of the author towards transforming Mars to suit human needs?

• Supportive if it benefits Earth

• Indifferent as long as it is scientifically justified

• Cautious and advocating for the preservation of Mars

• Enthusiastic and ambitious

What does the term "negligible" imply about the risk of contamination mentioned in the text?

• It is a high risk that should be addressed immediately

• It is a moderate risk that can be managed

• It is an insignificant risk that can be ignored

• It is a small risk but still important to consider

What is the meaning of the word "indigenous" as it is used in paragraph 4?

• originating in a particular place

• strong and vigorous

• possessing higher mental capacity

• threatened with extinction