'Red Planet could turn you Green': Biologist warns humans may lose eyesight and change colour on Mars
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Challenges of Life on Mars
As scientists continue to explore the possibility of human habitation on Mars, experts warn that the planet's harsh conditions could have significant effects on human biology, including changes in skin colour and weakened eyesight.
Drastic Mutations Likely
Biologist Dr. Scott Solomon from Rice University in Texas suggests that humans born on Mars could undergo major evolutionary changes and mutations due to the planet's unique environment, with gravity and radiation playing key roles.
Impact of Low Gravity
Mars has 30% less gravity than Earth, which could lead to weakened muscles and brittle bones. These conditions may pose serious health risks, particularly for women during childbirth, as Dr. Solomon points out that weakened bones could cause pelvic fractures.
High Radiation Exposure
Without a protective ozone layer or magnetic field, Mars exposes inhabitants to high levels of space radiation, including UV rays and cosmic particles. This extreme exposure is expected to drive mutations as humans adapt to survive.
Possible Skin Pigment Changes
One of the most noticeable mutations might involve skin colour. Dr. Solomon speculates that humans on Mars could evolve a new type of skin pigment, potentially green, to cope with the increased radiation.
Eye Function Decline
Due to living in confined spaces with limited need for long-distance vision, human eyesight could deteriorate over time. Dr. Solomon suggests that this could result in poorer vision as humans adapt to life in small, enclosed environments.
Adapting to Harsh Conditions
The conditions on Mars would force humans to evolve rapidly, with these changes potentially occurring over generations as settlers adapt to the planet's low gravity, high radiation, and extreme environmental challenges.
Speculation on Mars Evolution
While settling Mars remains a long-term goal, the evolutionary consequences discussed by experts like Dr. Solomon highlight the complexities of human adaptation to extraterrestrial environments, underscoring the immense challenges of colonizing the Red Planet.