Should We Terraform Mars?

If there is life on Mars, the author thinks that humans...

• have to be careful what they change about Mars.

• should not change Mar’s environment.

• need to get permission from those lifeforms to terraform Mars.

• should terraform Mars anyways.

Which of the following is NOT a reason the author believes humans should avoid colonizing Mars?

• to preserve the natural beauty of Mars

• to study the differences between Earth and Mars

• to protect potential native life on Mars

• to force people to take better care of the Earth

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

• strong and vigorous

• possessing higher mental capacity

• threatened with extinction

• originating in a particular place

Which phrase from paragraph 4 clarifies the meaning of “indigenous?”

• "small colonies"

• "native habitats"

• "natural protection"

• "harsh conditions"

What is the central argument contained within paragraph 6?

• The danger of bacterial contamination from Earth could make it difficult to determine whether there is native life on Mars.

• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty guarantees that Mars should not be terraformed in any way.

• It is almost impossible that any life could survive on the surface of Mars.

• Landers and rovers are routinely being sent to Mars in order to investigate if there is any native life on the surface of Mars.

How does the author develop the primary claim of the article in paragraph 5?

• He allows for an important exception to the general applicability of the argument.

• He affirms the validity of the argument despite information that might seem to challenge it.

• He suggests that future research will reveal how critical the argument is for humanity’s survival.

• He criticizes the way many people in the past have ignored the persuasiveness of the argument.