Final answer:
The discovery of conglomerate rock by the Curiosity Rover on Mars supports the theory that water flow shaped the Martian channels, reinforcing the idea of ancient watery environments. The evidence from rover missions advances our understanding of Mars' potential to support life and the implications of finding ancient life would significantly impact our views on life in the universe.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the Curiosity Rover found evidence of conglomerate rock on Mars, it was significant in understanding Martian geological history. Specifically, the discovery suggested that water flow had once been present, contributing to the theory that the channel observed was indeed formed by liquid water.
The conglomerates, which are types of sedimentary rocks, are formed when rocks and other materials are cemented together by finer sediments in a matrix, and this typically occurs in environments where water has transported these materials.
Moreover, each rover's findings, including Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity, indicated that Mars had a history of liquid water evidenced by mineralogy and rock formations. For instance, the presence of hematite-rich spheres implies a watery environment, as hematite forms in the presence of water.
The possibility of confirming signs of ancient life on rocks from Mars, as may happen with future missions like Perseverance, would redefine our understanding of biology and the likelihood of life beyond Earth.
Such discoveries would suggest that life might be a commonality in the universe rather than an Earth-exclusive phenomenon, which would be a monumental shift in our scientific thinking and our view of life's existence in the cosmos.