NASA Has Published a List of Criteria for Identifying Fossil

question 18

Multiple Choice

NASA has published a list of criteria for identifying fossil bacteria in samples from Mars, as part of a search for evidence of life. Which of the following is good evidence for the presence of bacterial cells?

• A) Three-dimensional organization of cells in a starburst pattern
• B) Absence of carbon in the material
• C) Cell size of 0.5 to 2 microns
• D) No evidence of water in the surrounding mineral

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Definitions:

Cross-Pollination

The sharing and mixing of ideas, practices, and cultures between different sectors, organizations, or groups to innovate and solve problems.

Insight

The ability to obtain a precise and profound instinctual comprehension of a person or object.

Verification

The process of confirming the accuracy, truthfulness, or validity of something through the presentation of evidence or logical argument.

Creative Process

A series of thought actions and operations leading to an innovative or creative outcome, often characterized by originality and expressiveness.