Text 1: Astronomer Davies argues that life on Mars, if it exists, is probably microbial and underground. Surface conditions are too harsh — intense radiation, freezing temperatures, no liquid water — for any organism to thrive. Subsurface aquifers, however, may shelter microorganisms similar to Earth's deep-rock bacteria.
Text 2: Astrobiologist Knox agrees that any Martian life is likely microbial but disagrees about location. Recent observations of seasonal dark streaks on Martian slopes, she argues, suggest that briny liquid water may flow at the surface during warmer months. Such transient flows could support microbial communities without the need to drill deep underground.
Both authors would most likely agree that
- A
all Martian life lives deep underground.
- B
the Martian surface is hospitable to complex organisms.
- Ccheck_circle
Martian life, if it exists, is likely microbial.
- D
no liquid water exists anywhere on Mars.
Explanation
Both endorse microbial life as the likely form; they disagree on location (subsurface vs. transient surface flows). A is shared. B, C, and D contradict at least one author.