Final answer:
The scarcity of evidence for Earth's earliest history is due to geological activities that erase traces, whereas photosynthesis marked a significant evolution by changing the atmosphere and enabling complex life. Life on Mars surface today is improbable due to extreme conditions. The emotional responses to scientific explorations of existence vary, while literature is like life, and a writer's creation is influenced by many factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chapter Questions on 'LIFE AS WE KNEW IT'
Life's earliest evidence is scarce due to geological activity that has recycled Earth's surface and the fact that early organisms likely didn't have hard parts that could fossilize easily. The development of photosynthesis was a major milestone because it allowed organisms to convert solar energy into a form they could use to live and grow, dramatically altering Earth's atmosphere and paving the way for more complex life forms. While not all life on Earth requires direct sunlight—think of deep-sea vents—the vast majority are connected to a food web that originates with photosynthetic organisms.
Life on Mars today appears unlikely due to the planet's harsh surface conditions, which include extreme cold, radiation, and lack of liquid water. While the given definition of life highlights energy utilization and information replication, it may be biased by our understanding of terrestrial life. We know life in diverse forms on Earth, but extraterrestrial life, if it exists, could challenge our conceptual boundaries.
When engaging with big questions about existence, scientific exploration can elicit different emotions. Some may find it unnerving due to the philosophical and existential implications, whereas others are exhilarated by scientific advances that enable us to probe such profound issues. Respect for diverse viewpoints is important in discussions of cosmic beginnings and ultimate fates.
Literature and life are similar in that both convey narratives, express emotions, and reflect the complexity of existence. Literature's purpose is multifaceted: to entertain, to provoke thought, to reflect society, and to explore the human condition. A writer's creation is influenced by personal experience, historical context, culture, and the human imagination.