PASTA-LIKE ROCKS BEST BET FOR LIFE ON MARS: STUDY
31, May 2019
Prelims level : Science and Tech Mains level : GS-III Technology, economic development, Environment
Why in News:
- Rocks on the surface of Mars that look like layers of pasta may be the most obvious sign of life on the Red Planet
Background: / Sulfurihydrogenibium yellowstonense:
- The bacterium that controls the formation of such rocks on the earth is ancient and thrives in harsh environments that are similar to conditions on Mars
- The bacterium belongs to a lineage that evolved prior to the oxygenation of Earth roughly 2.35 billion years ago.
- It can survive in extremely hot, fast-flowing water bubbling up from underground hot springs.
It can withstand exposure to ultraviolet light and survives only in environments with
extremely low oxygen levels, using sulphur and carbon dioxide as energy sources.