Do we know of any living forms on Earth that could continue to live on Mars?
2
-
$\begingroup$ Under the current conditions and without an athmosphere? Hardly imaginable. $\endgroup$– Chris ♦Apr 5, 2014 at 13:00
-
$\begingroup$ Yes, under current conditions and without an atmosphere. $\endgroup$– Sergo PasoeviApr 5, 2014 at 13:01
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
1
Yes, research studies that were conducted have found that methanogens (microorganisms) are able to survive in conditions similar to Mars (reference). Another study conducted has also concluded that some lichen and cyanobacteria is also capable of survival. Surprisingly, they were also found to be active (reference).
There is speculation now on whether organisms from earth have been accidentally transported to Mars on the Mars Curiosity Rover which would be funny or a cause of concern, depending on how you look at it (reference).
answered May 31, 2014 at 6:24
-
$\begingroup$ Interestingly, methanogenes are even more useful for terraforming Mars than plants, because they accelerate greenhouse effect. $\endgroup$– AnixxDec 9, 2016 at 19:46