Question

as you read this passage, identify the evidence that is used to support the authors claim that early astronomers thought there was evidence for life on mars.

the idea of life on mars appeared at the end of the 19th century after the italian astronomer and director of the observatory in milan, giovanni virginio schiaparelli, discovered a network of fine lines,which he called \canals,\ on the planets surface. also on the martian surface, schiaparelli observed large dark areas, which he called \oceans.\ dark areas of smaller size he named \lakes,\ and light yellow areas he named \continents.\ the discovery of schiaparelli attracted the attention of many astronomers. using powerful telescopes, they managed to discover on the martian surface many canals that always linked seas or lakes. in 1906, assuming that the canals on mars did exist, american astronomer percival lowell put forward a theory that attempted to explain their origin. according to this theory, the canals were built by martians to transport water from polar to arid areas. schiaparelli and lowell observed that the martian surface changes with the seasons and suggested that this may be related to vegetation

what evidence does this passage provide to support the authors claims that early astronomers believed there was life on mars?

1. schiaparelli and lowell believed that the surface of mars indicated the presence of vegetation, seasons, and martian - built canals.
2. the surface of the planet was covered in continents, lakes, and oceans that looked geologically similar to landforms on earth.
3. the planetary surface of mars, when viewed through powerful telescopes, looked exactly like that the surface of earth.
4. mars appeared to contain the ruins of ancient cities, indicating the presence of martians who must have built them.

Explanation:

The passage states Giovanni Virginio Schiaparelli observed "canals", "oceans", "lakes", and "continents" on Mars; other astronomers confirmed linked canals. Percival Lowell theorized canals were built by Martians to transport water. Both noted seasonal surface changes they linked to vegetation. Option 1 directly matches these points, while other options are incorrect: option 2 misrepresents the claim as geological similarity rather than life-related features; option 3's "exactly like Earth" is not stated; option 4's "ruins of ancient cities" are never mentioned.

Answer:

1. Schiaparelli and Lowell believed that the surface of Mars indicated the presence of vegetation, seasons, and Martian-built canals.