Geology on Mars Review

Front

What is one of the biggest reasons scientists wanted to look at Mars for possible life?

Back

The polar ice caps at the top and bottom with evidence it may have once been liquid.

Front

True or False: The mysterious jelly donut object on Mars turned out to be a fungus that grew on the surface of the planet.

Back

False

Front

What do models represent in scientific investigations?

Back

Models represent the natural processes being investigated in important ways, but they are not exactly the same.

Front

What can landforms provide evidence about?

Back

Landforms can provide evidence about the past because they remain after the geologic processes that formed them stopped happening.

Front

What type of planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars?

Back

Rocky planets.

Front

What is the significance of polar ice caps on Mars?

Back

They suggest that Mars may have had liquid water in the past, which is essential for life.

Front

What is a key concept in geology regarding similar landforms on different planets?

Back

When landforms on different rocky planets look similar, it is evidence that they may have been formed by the same geologic process.

Front

Why do scientists use models in their research?

Back

Scientists can use models to test their ideas and get evidence about processes in the natural world that are difficult to share.

Front

What is the difference between rocky planets and gas giants?

Back

Rocky planets are solid and have a surface, while gas giants are composed mostly of gases and do not have a well-defined solid surface.

Front

What evidence do scientists look for to determine if a planet could support life?

Back

Evidence such as the presence of water, suitable temperatures, and an atmosphere.