A new study published in Science provides clear evidence of organic matter on…
2026
A new study published in Science provides clear evidence of organic matter on Mars’s surface. NASA’s rover Curiosity collected the data, confirming earlier findings that Mars once had carbon-based compounds essential for life. These organic molecules were found in Gale Crater, an area that may have been a lake over three billion years ago. The rocks containing the organics also had sulfur, which might have preserved them despite harsh surface radiation. While the presence of organic molecules doesn’t prove ancient life—since they could form through non-living processes—it is a significant discovery. About five years ago, Curiosity also detected methane, a basic organic molecule and natural gas component, in the Martian atmosphere. Methane only lasts a few hundred years, suggesting an unknown source replenishes it. Its levels fluctuate seasonally, possibly due to underground icy crystals releasing gas.
These findings indicate Mars is more active than thought and might be becoming more habitable. Future missions, like ESA’s Exo Mars and NASA’s Mars Rover, aim to explore the soil and atmosphere further, potentially answering if life ever existed on Mars.
Q. Identify the fact stated in the passage.
- A.
Methane on Mars lasts for millions of years.
- B.
Organic molecules were found in Gale Crater.
- C.
Organic molecules prove ancient life on Mars.
- D.
Sulphur destroys organic molecules on Mars.
Attempted by 11 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
To identify the fact stated in the passage, let’s analyze each option against the text provided:
Fact Verification
Option 1: "Methane on Mars lasts for millions of years."
Passage text: "...Methane only lasts a few hundred years..."
Assessment: Incorrect. This contradicts the text.
Option 2: "Organic molecules were found in Gale Crater."
Passage text: "These organic molecules were found in Gale Crater..."
Assessment: Correct. This is a direct statement of fact presented in the passage.
Option 3: "Organic molecules prove ancient life on Mars."
Passage text: "While the presence of organic molecules doesn't prove ancient life..."
Assessment: Incorrect. The passage explicitly states that these molecules do not prove ancient life, as they could have formed through non-living processes.
Option 4: "Sulphur destroys organic molecules on Mars."
Passage text: "...the rocks containing the organics also had sulfur, which might have preserved them..."
Assessment: Incorrect. The text states that sulfur might have preserved them, which is the opposite of destroying them.
Conclusion
The only option that aligns with the information provided in the passage is Option 2.