1997 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies
Question 70: Science and Technology
Which one of the following conditions is most relevant for the presence of life on Mars?
aAtmospheric composition
bThermal conditions
cOccurrence of ice caps and frozen water
dOccurrence of ozone
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Life as we know it needs liquid water, so ice caps and frozen water on Mars are the most relevant clue: frozen water can melt and offers a source of water. Mars's atmosphere is thin and mostly carbon dioxide and its temperatures are low, but these are not the deciding conditions, and life on Earth began before an ozone layer existed.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The atmosphere is thin and mostly carbon dioxide; its composition alone does not decide the matter.
- (b) Mars is cold, but temperature matters less than the presence of water.
- (c) Right: ice caps and frozen water.
- (d) Ozone is not a condition for the existence of life; life on Earth began before an ozone layer formed.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.