Question at position 33 A Martian probe brings back a soil sample that contains stretches of DNA that are similar to life on Earth. This evidence would support which hypothesis? Panspermia"RNA world"AbiogenesisNot enough informationClear my selection

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The question describes a Martian probe returning a soil sample that contains stretches of DNA similar to life on Earth, and asks which hypothesis this would support.
Option 1: Panspermia. This hypothesis posits that life, or its genetic material, can be transferred between planets. Finding Earth-like DNA sequences in Martian material would be consistent with the idea that life or its building blocks traveled from one planet to another, lending support to panspermia as a plausible mechanism. It points toward a shared or transferable origin rather than an Earth-only origin.
Option 2: "RNA world". The RNA world hypothesis suggests that early life relied on RNA-based replication before DNA and proteins, but the discovery described is about sequences similar to Earth-based DNA rather than evidence about the early RNA world stage. The finding does not specifically indicate an RNA-based origin predominance, so this option is not the best fit given the scenario.
Option 3: Abiogenesis. Abiogenesis refers to the origin of life from nonliving chemistry on a given planet, typically discussed in the context of how life arose on Earth. While abiogenesis is related to the broader question of how life begins, the detection of Earth-like DNA on Mars more directly implies a transfer or shared origin rather than an independent Earth-bound origin on Mars, making this option less directly supported by the evidence as stated.
Option 4: Not enough information. The scenario provides a concrete observation (Earth-like DNA in Martian soil) that strongly informs discussions about cross-planetary transfer of genetic material. While not ruling out contamination or other issues, the evidence does give a basis for considering panspermia as a viable hypothesis, so this option is not the best choice given the information provided.

Question at position 33 A Martian probe brings back a soil sample that contains stretches of DNA that are similar to life on Earth. This evidence would support which hypothesis? Panspermia"RNA world"AbiogenesisNot enough informationClear my selection

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