NASA Curiosity rover finds ancient organic molecules on Mars

An ancient Martian lake bed has revealed organic molecules that are 3 billion years old. These molecules, which contain carbon, are essential for life and can originate from both living and non-living sources. NASA's Curiosity rover conducted a sample analysis on Mars, heating samples to release hydrocarbons, which might be fragments of larger molecules. While these organics could have biological origins, they might also result from geological processes or meteor impacts.

What are organic molecules primarily composed of?

• Nitrogen

• Hydrogen

• Oxygen

• Carbon

What was the purpose of heating samples on Mars by the Curiosity rover?

• To create new compounds

• To sterilize the samples

• To release small hydrocarbons

• To melt ice

What might the small hydrocarbons released from the samples indicate?

• Evidence of past life

• Signs of volcanic activity

• Fragments of larger molecules

• Presence of water

Which of the following is NOT a potential source of the organic molecules found on Mars?

• Solar flares

• Geological processes

• Biological sources

• Meteor impacts

What is one possible non-biological origin of the organic molecules on Mars?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Meteor impacts

• Solar radiation

• Wind erosion