**Text 1** Many astrobiologists argue that the seasonal fluctuations of methane detected i… — SAT

Text 1
Many astrobiologists argue that the seasonal fluctuations of methane detected in Mars’s atmosphere are strong indicators of active microbial life beneath the Martian surface. Because methanogenic microbes on Earth release methane as a metabolic byproduct, these researchers hypothesize that similar underground organisms are responsible for the Martian gas. They point to the sharp, localized spikes in methane levels as evidence of biological activity, arguing that abiotic geological processes would result in a far more uniform, steady release of gas over time.

Text 2
Geologist Elena Vance and colleagues argue that atmospheric methane on Mars can be entirely explained by serpentinization, an abiotic reaction between water and olivine rocks deep within the crust. Vance's team simulated Martian subsurface conditions and demonstrated that this geochemical process occurs in bursts when shifting tectonic stresses fracture Martian rocks, exposing new mineral faces to trapped water. Consequently, Vance cautions against interpreting sudden spikes in Martian methane as signs of life, noting that geological stress cycles are naturally episodic rather than continuous.

Based on the passages, how would Elena Vance and colleagues (Text 2) most likely characterize the argument made by the astrobiologists (Text 1) regarding the significance of Mars's localized methane spikes?

A
By arguing that Martian atmospheric methane levels do not actually undergo the seasonal fluctuations described in Text 1.
By suggesting that the astrobiologists underestimate the capacity of abiotic reactions to produce non-continuous emissions of gas.Cevap
C
By asserting that the presence of underground liquid water on Mars makes the existence of methanogenic microbes impossible.
D
By concluding that the geological processes releasing methane are triggered by the activity of subsurface organisms.

Cevap

The option suggesting that the astrobiologists underestimate the capacity of abiotic reactions to produce non-continuous emissions of gas is the correct answer.

The author of Text 2 would characterize the astrobiologists' argument as overlooking the potential of non-biological processes to produce episodic gas emissions. While the astrobiologists in Text 1 argue that abiotic geological processes must produce steady, uniform emissions (and therefore sudden spikes must be biological), Elena Vance's team in Text 2 demonstrates that serpentinization—an abiotic process—occurs in episodic bursts. Therefore, the option suggesting that astrobiologists underestimate the capacity of abiotic reactions to produce non-continuous emissions of gas is correct.

Adım Adım Çözüm

Analyze the claim made in Text 1 regarding localized methane spikes.

Text 1 states that astrobiologists view sharp methane spikes as biological evidence, asserting that abiotic geological processes would instead release gas in a uniform, steady manner.

To understand the perspective being challenged, we must identify the specific assumption about abiotic processes in Text 1.

Analyze the findings of Elena Vance and colleagues in Text 2.

Text 2 states that serpentinization (an abiotic reaction) occurs in episodic bursts due to tectonic stress, which explains sudden spikes without requiring biological activity.

To determine Text 2's stance, we must identify how they characterize the pattern of abiotic gas release.

Compare the two perspectives to determine how the author of Text 2 would respond to Text 1.

Because Vance shows that abiotic processes can release gas in bursts, she would argue that the astrobiologists are incorrect in assuming that abiotic releases must be steady and uniform.

This comparison directly leads to the correct option, which states that the astrobiologists underestimate the capacity of abiotic reactions to produce non-continuous emissions.

Anahtar Kavram

Identifying how the author of one text would respond to a specific claim in another text by comparing their underlying assumptions and evidence.

Soru

Cevap

Adım Adım Çözüm

Anahtar Kavram

Sık Yapılan Hatalar

Konular

Bu konudan daha fazla soru