Could any terrestrial life be introduced on the planet Mars?

Answer 1

There are a couple of possibilities.

1) There is microbial life on earth that exists in very cold temperatures. It is possible that the Arctic or Antarctic has a bacterium or two that could live on Mars. The teams at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory did their best to sterilize the Mars rovers, but perhaps one or two microbes slipped through and are eeking out a life now. It's remotely possible.

Scientist recently conducted a experiment in which the bacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. 029 was exposed to the same conditions on Mars. The ultraviolet light killed it quickly. But, they also found that just one milimeter of covering soil was enough to protect it.

2) Scientists have speculated for years that lichens might be able to survive on Mars. Lichens are a symbiotic combination of fungus and algae. They can survive in very cold, dry places. They are extremely hardy.

Even back in the '70s and '80s, scientists discussed the possibility of seeding Mars with lichens to start oxygen production. Recently, the European Space Agency conducted an experiment in which lichens were exposed directly to the vacuum and cold of space for an extended period. They survived.

Recently, there has been some speculation that perhaps lichens already exist on Mars. Some of the pictures taken of rocks seem to show some circular "spots" that resemble lichens.

Answer 2

There are only a few known viruses which can pass between species. Certain forms of Ebola, HIV, avian flu and Parvo are some examples. Most virii on this planet only effect one species or type of animal. It is unlikely that a virus from another planet would be able to survive on this planet let alone in a human body. The most likely virii to survive in a new environment are those that mutate rapidly. The bacteria would be another problem entirely, since they have different methods of replication and Bacteria can survive in many types of environments we are at more risk from an extraterrestrial bacteria, however there is no evidence that any bacteria have ever existed on Mars, even if they do or did, NASA would likely quarantine the astronauts upon their return, and sterilize all equipment.

Answer 3

Some bacteria might be possible. On the other hand if there is any livng bacteria on Mars you may end up killing it off. Also, with greenhousing at the Equator, it would be a plant's paradise considering that the planet's atmosphere is mostly Carbon Dioxide, the food for plants.

Answer 4

Mars has a lower gravity, which means that the atmosphere is thinner. It also has a lower oxygen content. Plus, it's cold as hell. Maybe some microbes from some severe environment could survive there, but not much else. Not my dream vacation spot.

Answer 5

yes, but it probably wouldn't survive. ;)

-Elli

Answer 6

No.