title: Could the early environment of Mars have supported the development of life?
abstract: Early in its history, conditions on Mars may have been suitable for the origin of life.  From the biological perspective, there are many similarities between Earth and early Mars.  A better understanding of the environment on Mars may provide new insights to how life originated on Earth.
authors.affiliation: Space Sciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA.
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: McKay
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Stoker
mesh_terms: D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D018534:Earth, Planet; D018559:Exobiology; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D005844:Geology; D018535:Mars; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D000069497:Origin of Life; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D014867:Water; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D009584:Nitrogen; D010100:Oxygen