Final answer:
The absence of ice caps on the poles does not provide evidence of Mars having ancient liquid water as Mars does have polar ice caps today, with the northern one predominantly composed of water ice. Other evidences such as dried-up riverbeds, ancient lakebeds, and minerals formed in water's presence strongly support the presence of historical liquid water on Mars. Therefore, the correct option is 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the evidence related to Mars' history of liquid water. The option that does not provide evidence that Mars once had abundant liquid water on its surface is the absence of ice caps on the poles. Mars indeed has ice caps at its poles; the northern cap is composed mostly of water ice, while the southern cap contains water ice with a covering of carbon dioxide ice.
Other options such as dried-up riverbeds, the discovery of ancient lakebeds, and the detection of minerals like hematite, which can only form in the presence of water, all suggest that Mars once had liquid water. Furthermore, evidence from rovers such as Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity shows geological and mineralogical signs that Mars supported liquid water in its past.