我們應該把火星“地球化”嗎？

山東新泰第一中學 仲 寧

當我們繼續探索太陽系及更遠的地方時， 人類在其他星球上能否生活的問題也隨之出現。 人類是否應該移民火星？ 如果人類在火星上大規模建造定居點，這有可能進一步改變火星周圍的環境使之更適合人類居住。As we continue to explore farther out into our solar system and beyond, the question of humans living on other planets often comes up. Manned bases on the Moon or Mars for example, have long been a dream of many. There is a natural desire to explore as far as we can go, and also to extend humanity's presence on a permanent or at least semi-permanent basis. In order to do this, however, it is necessary to adapt to different extreme environments. On the Moon for example, a colony must be self-sustaining and protect its inhabitants from the airless,harsh environment outside.

Mars, though, is different. While future bases could adapt to the Martian environment over time, there is also the possibility of modifying the surrounding environment instead of just co-existing with it. This is the process of terraforming—adjusting Mars' atmosphere and environment to make it more Earthlike. Although still a long way off technologically, terraforming the Red Planet is seen as a future possibility. Perhaps the bigger question is, should we?

One of the main issues is whether Mars has any native life or not and if it does, should it be preserved as much as possible? If the answer is yes, then large-scale human settlements on Mars should be completely off-limits. Small colonies might be fine, but living on Mars should not be at the expense of any native habitats, if they exist. If Mars is home to any indigenous life, then terraforming should be a non-issue; it simply should not be done.

What if Mars is lifeless? Even if no life exists there, that untouched and unique alien environment needs to be preserved as it is as much as possible. We've already done too much damage here on our own planet. By studying Mars and other planets and moons in their current natural state, we can learn so much about their history and also learn more about our own world. We should appreciate the differences of other worlds instead of just transforming them to suit our own ambitions.

Reading Check

1. What does the author think we should do if life is found on Mars?

A. Ensure that it's not harmed.

B. Negotiate with the Martians.

C. Change the unpopulated regions.

D. Assess the advantages and disadvantages.

2. What does the underlined word “indigenous” in paragraph 3 mean?

A. Native. B. Complex. C. Foreign. D. Intelligent.

3. How does the author develop his ideas in the text?

A. By evaluating different planets.

B. By referring to others' research.

C. By arguing in support of one viewpoint.

D. By justifying the benefits of terraforming.

Language Study

Difficult sentence

One of the main issues is whether Mars has any native life or not and if it does, should it be preserved as much as possible?

【翻譯】_____________________________________________________________________________

【點石成金】這是一個并列句，whether Mars has any native life or not是從屬連詞whether引導的表語從句，whether引導表語從句時含有“是否”之意，起到引導作用，不充當從句的任何成分，不能省略。if it does是連詞if引導的條件狀語從句，謂語動詞does是省略用法，相當于has any native life。