Probability of life on Mars utilizing biosignatures

Abstract

Biosignatures are key pieces of evidence of life on other planets, in this research paper we will be focusing specifically on Mars. This paper compiles research from other papers and highlights probabilities and improbabilities of life from data on Mars and terrestrial analogs on Earth. Hydrated areas likely to have liquid water exhibit a correlation with life as liquid water is commonly thought to be the “key” to an organism's survival. Analogs on Earth may also simulate similar conditions to that of Mars and illustrate various life forms that have inhabited these areas. Sources of energy observed in these analogs as well as Mars can be conducive to life. However, just because an environment is habitable does not mean life inhabited it. The paper also compares false biosignatures which may be misleading about the presence of life. The importance of this paper is to address the ambiguity and presence of microbial life on Mars.