Question

Which of the following, if true, would the "hopeful scientists" (line 62) most likely interpret as evidence of the potential for life on Mars?

• A. Mars was affected by the same planetary collision that caused the extinction of dinosaurs.
• B. Mars had a very mild atmospheric temperature millions of years ago.
• C. Mars had a wet environment at one time in the past.
• D. The rock that fell from Mars resembled rocks found on the Antarctic ice field.
• E. The rock that fell from Mars had very few microscopic fissures.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Mars had a wet environment at one time in the past.

Liquid water, which is thought crucial to biological life, is not known to exist anywhere in our solar system now except on Earth. If the environment of Mars was wet at one point of time with optimum temperature, it could have harboured extraterrestrial life. Hence the scientists would be hoping to find potential for life on Mars. Hence, Option C is correct.

The rest of the options are neither mentioned nor implied by the passage. Hence they're incorrect.