Question 22.
The author mentions all of the following reasons to dismiss concerns about contaminating Mars EXCEPT:
A
the lack of evidence of living organisms on Mars makes possible contamination from earthly microbes a moot point.
B
efforts to contain contamination on Mars are likely to be derailed as competitor countries may not follow similar restrictions.
C
the use of similar probes on astronomical bodies like the moon have had little effect on the environment.
D
earlier explorations have already contaminated pristine space environments.
Question Explanation
Text ExplanationVideo Explanation
The passage discusses the debate surrounding planetary protection policies, particularly the concerns about contaminating Mars with Earth-based microbes. The author argues against these concerns, citing several reasons why the risk of contamination should not hinder human exploration and development of Mars. These reasons include:
- the lack of evidence for life on Mars (describes Mars as a “bleak, rusted landscape” with no confirmed life) [Option A]
- the disregard for such protocols by international competitors (China’s lenient approach to planetary protection) [Option B]
- the disregard for such protocols by international competitors (China’s lenient approach to planetary protection) [Option D]
On the other hand, Option C is not presented as a valid reason. The author does not specifically argue that probes have had “little effect” on the Moon's environment but instead focuses on human waste and contamination from earlier human missions, not robotic probes.
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