TED: The fingerprints of life beyond Earth | Clara Sousa-Silva

TED: The fingerprints of life beyond Earth | Clara Sousa-Silva

Assessment

Interactive Video

Chemistry, Biology, Science

11th - 12th Grade

Hard

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Quizizz Content

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The video explores the search for alien life by examining biosignatures, particularly focusing on phosphine as a potential indicator. It discusses the challenges of detecting life, the role of quantum astrochemistry, and the recent discovery of phosphine on Venus. The speaker emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to identifying life, considering multiple biosignatures to avoid false positives.

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7 questions

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1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What might alien astronomers have detected from Earth 10,000 years ago?

Artificial satellites

Radio signals

A thick and temperate atmosphere

Signs of advanced technology

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why is oxygen considered a potentially misleading biosignature?

It is not visible from space

It is too rare to detect

It can be produced without biological processes

It is only found on Earth

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What makes phosphine a more reliable biosignature than oxygen?

It is a byproduct of photosynthesis

It has fewer false positives for life

It is easier to detect

It is commonly found on all planets

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Where on Earth is phosphine commonly found?

In oxygen-rich environments

In the atmosphere

In swamps and rice fields

In volcanic regions

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the significance of detecting phosphine on Venus?

It indicates volcanic activity

It confirms the presence of life

It suggests a potential biosignature

It proves the existence of water

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the speaker's main concern regarding the search for life?

Failing to find a habitable planet

Not having enough telescopes

Detecting too many false positives

Missing signs of life on an inhabited planet

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What approach does the speaker suggest for detecting life?

Focusing on a single molecule

Analyzing a network of gases

Using only ground-based telescopes

Relying solely on oxygen detection