Question

As you read this passage, identify the evidence that is used to support the author’s 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 planet's 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 author's claims that early astronomers believed there was life on Mars?

Mars appeared to contain the ruins of ancient cities, indicating the presence of Martians who must have built them.

The surface of the planet was covered in continents, lakes, and oceans that looked geologically similar to landforms on Earth.

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

The planetary surface of Mars, when viewed through powerful telescopes, looked exactly like that the surface of Earth.

Answer 1

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

Evidence in the passage: Schiaparelli's discovery of "canals," "oceans," "lakes," and "continents"; other astronomers finding canals linking seas/lakes; Lowell's 1906 theory that canals were built by Martians to transport water; and Schiaparelli and Lowell noting seasonal surface changes they suggested might be vegetation.