Both the lecture and the reading hold different positions, respectively, on the issue of the feasibility of life existing on Mars. The lecture’s argument forms around many points that are in direct contrast to the material in the reading passage.
First of all, the professor argues that methane can be produced in an inorganic way. The professor also points out that the Methane in Mars is attributed to underground lava. This directly contradicts the claims made in the reading that methane is produced by living organisms like bacteria.
Second, the professor also notes that the primitive, single cell life which is assumed to be in existence is nothing more than biological contamination of Earth.
According to the professor just because hydrogen is found on Mars does not mean single-celled bacteria inhabit there. This argument by the professor refutes the claim by the reading that it is probable that simple life forms that appear to be similar to bacteria are still in existence today because a meteorite, which is millions of years old, originated from Mars was found to have fossilized evidence of primitive, single cell life within it.
Finally, the professor concludes by saying that water found in Mars is frozen water. The professor contends that the abundance of water does not suggest the presence of microorganisms because it is frozen. Thus, the professor claims that Mars is not suitable for even simplest organism to reside. Accordingly, this point by the professor challenges the reading which argues that the abundance of hydrogen stands to reason that microbes also exist and indicates that there is considerable amount of water on Mars and
In conclusion, the reading passage presents three aspects with regards to possibility of presence of living organisms on Mars. However, the professor’s argument makes it clear that none of these characteristics justify the reading passage’s claim.