Which of the following did NOT contribute to the thinning of the Martian atmosphere during its early history?
A) the photodissociation of water molecules by ultraviolet light in the atmosphere
B) the stripping of the atmosphere by solar wind particles from the Sun
C) the consumption of carbon dioxide by photosynthetic bacteria
D) atmospheric gases being blasted into space by large impacts

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Photosynthetic bacteria were not present on Mars during its early history, as far as we know. Therefore, they could not have contributed to the thinning of the atmosphere. The other three factors listed have all been proposed as possible mechanisms for the atmospheric loss on Mars.

Which of the Following Did NOT Contribute to the Thinning