Here is the actual passage. Please ensure all the answers are correct.
Here is the Passage
Is life on Mars possible? Question (1) This question has been much discussed of late. The very low temperatures on the earth under the equator, at a height where the barometer stands at about three times as high as on Mars, proves that (from scantiness of atmosphere alone) Mars cannot possibly have a temperature as high as the freezing point of water; and this conclusion is supported by Langley’s findings that the lowest temperature of Mars is not far from the temperature of space. Thus the temperature of Mars is wholly incompatible with the existence of animal life.(conclusion)
Besides, Dr Storey finds that in order to retain water vapour permanently a planet must have a mass at least a quarter that of the earth. But the mass of Mars is only one-ninth that of the earth; therefore, unless there are some special conditions that prevent its loss, this gas cannot be present in the atmosphere. Thus, water vapour cannot exist on Mars, and therefore, the first essential of organic life – water – is non-existent.
The conclusion from these two independent proofs, which re-enforce each other, is therefore irresistible – that animal life, especially in its higher forms, cannot exist on the planet. Mars, therefore, is not only uninhabited by intelligent beings, but absolutely uninhabitable.
(Adapted from Alfred Russel Wallace, Is Mars Habitable? London: Macmillan, 1907)
Here is my Answers….but I’m not sure if I’m right….
Answers
- List of all the propositions:
[1] The very low temperatures on the earth under the equator, at a height where the barometer stands at about three times as high as on Mars.
[2] Mars cannot possibly have a temperature as high as the freezing point of water.
[3] The lowest temperature of Mars is not far from the temperature of space.
[4] The temperature of Mars is wholly incompatible with the existence of animal life.
[5] To retain water vapour permanently a planet must have a mass at least a quarter that of the earth.
[6] The mass of Mars is only one-ninth that of the earth.
[7] This gas cannot be present in the atmosphere unless there are some special conditions that prevent its loss.
[8] The water vapour cannot exist on Mars.
[9] The first essential of organic life – water – is non-existent. (is 8 and 9 conveys the same thing?
[10] Animal life, especially in its higher forms, cannot exist on the planet
[11] Mars is not only uninhabited by intelligent beings, but absolutely uninhabitable.
- For every part of the list, indicate whether that part should be used in the structure diagram.
[1] The very low temperatures on the earth under the equator, at a height where the barometer stands at about three times as high as on Mars. YES
[2] Mars cannot possibly have a temperature as high as the freezing point of water. YES
[3] The lowest temperature of Mars is not far from the temperature of space. NO
[4] The temperature of Mars is wholly incompatible with the existence of animal life. YES
[5] To retain water vapour permanently a planet must have a mass at least a quarter that of the earth. YES
[6] The mass of Mars is only one-ninth that of the earth. YES
[7] This gas cannot be present in the atmosphere unless there are some special conditions that prevent its loss. YES
[8] The water vapour cannot exist on Mars. YES
[9] The first essential of organic life – water – is non-existent. YES
[10] Animal life, especially in its higher forms, cannot exist on the planet YES
[11] Mars is not only uninhabited by intelligent beings, but absolutely uninhabitable. YES
- Reconstruct all the premises, indicating which inference each belongs to .
Premise [2 Thus 4]
the temperature of Mars is wholly incompatible.
Inference [since]
Since the temperature findings of Mars are very low, the existence of animal life is incompatible
Inference [6 so 8]
[11] The condition in Mars is different to the Earth as the mass of Mars is only one-ninth that of the earth and water vapour cannot exist on Mars.
Inference [1 so ?]
The air pressure is three times higher on Earth than Mars.
Premise [11therefore 11]
Therefore, is not only uninhabited by intelligent beings but absolutely uninhabitable.
Inference [so]
So animal life, especially in its higher forms cannot exist the planet
- Identify the argument’s main conclusion.
[4] The temperature of Mars is wholly incompatible with the existence of animal life, especially in its higher forms.
[10] Mars is not only uninhabited by intelligent beings, but absolutely uninhabitable.
5 Construct the structure diagram 8
6 Give a concise verbal evaluation of every
inference (that is, every support arrow) in the structure diagram for its strength 5.5
Arrow 1 – this suggest clearly from the evidence given that the temperatures experienced there are very low comparing to the temperatures that supports animal life, looking at the freezing point of water as supported by Langleys, we can say that Mars is incompatible with the existence of animal life.
Arrow 2 – the water vapour masses given to support organic life on earth and Mars, Mars seems to have less mass compared to the standard mass that supports organic life. Under some circumstances if some special conditions are brought up which can be to prevent the loss of water of water vapour then it seems that life will be supported in mars.
Arrow 3 – in a general perspective from Arrow 2, due to the absence of water vapour in the atmosphere on Mars essential of organic life – water will absolutely not exist.
Arrow 4 – from the proofs given in paragraph 1 and 2 we can say that none is wrong from the support/ evidence given that animal life, cannot exist on Mars
Arrow 5 – this inference gives a main conclusion that nothing can really exist even intelligent beings.
7 Give a concise verbal evaluation of every initial premise in the structure diagram for its truth 2.5
It is very true that due to low temperatures experienced on Mars are not compatible with the existence of animal life.
Mars cannot withstand life due to its water vapour mass which is one-ninth that of earth hence cannot hold enough water vapour to sustain organic life
Due to lack of water vapour existence on mars organic-life -water- cannot exist on the planet.
8 Either accept the conclusion and endorse the argument, or reject the argument; in either case briefly explain the reasons behind your decision. 5.5
From the premises reviewed above and conclusions given in each case I can say I fully support the argument from the research done and supported by Langley’s and Dr Storey that life on Mars is uninhabitable simply because without good temperatures, our bodies, other animals and plants cannot do well on such temperatures which are below the freezing point of water. Water vapour is the main source of rains, without rains it means that plants will not grow, animals will not survive as well because they will die of hunger including human beings.