Suppose a probe is sent to Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, to explore its ocean. Which discovery would make the existence of extremophiles in Europa's ocean less plausible?(1 point)

Responses

the ocean being acidic or basic
the ocean being acidic or basic

the ocean lacking methane or hydrogen sulfide
the ocean lacking methane or hydrogen sulfide

the ice blocking all sunlight to the ocean
the ice blocking all sunlight to the ocean

the ocean being very salty

1 answer

The discovery that would make the existence of extremophiles in Europa's ocean less plausible is the ocean lacking methane or hydrogen sulfide.

Methane and hydrogen sulfide are often associated with biological processes on Earth, particularly in extreme environments where extremophiles thrive, such as hydrothermal vents. If Europa's ocean lacks these compounds, it could indicate a less favorable environment for the life forms typically found in extreme conditions.

In contrast, the other options could still allow for the possibility of extremophiles: acidic or basic conditions might still support certain life forms, ice covering the ocean doesn’t rule out life because many extremophiles live in lightless conditions, and high salinity might also support some unique extremophiles adapted to such environments.