Chapter 45: Building the Ecosystem

Building a sustainable ecosystem is the core goal of Mars terraforming. Ecosystem construction needs to start with the simplest life forms and gradually develop into complex biological communities. There are three key steps to this process. Introduction of microorganisms: Using genetically modified microorganisms to decompose minerals on the Martian surface, releasing oxygen and nutrients to provide the foundation for subsequent plant growth. Cultivation of mosses and lichens: Selecting pioneer plants that can adapt to extreme environments, such as mosses and lichens, to gradually cover the Martian surface, increasing oxygen content and improving the soil. Soil improvement: Mixing organic materials with local minerals to create soil suitable for plant growth, and using microorganisms to enhance soil fertility. These measures will transform Mars from a barren planet into a vibrant habitat. Part Four: Mars Terraforming Mars Planting Planting directly on Mars faces many challenges, including extreme temperatures, a thin atmosphere, high-intensity radiation, and lack of nutrients in the soil. However, scientists are studying various methods to overcome these obstacles. 1. Utilizing Martian soil and ice: The Martian soil and polar ice caps contain water, which is crucial for plant growth. Scientists are researching how to extract and purify these resources for irrigation. 2. Modifying plant genes: Through genetic engineering, scientists can enhance plants' tolerance to extreme environments. For example, genes for cold tolerance, drought resistance, and radiation resistance can be implanted into plants to enable them to grow on Mars. 3. Establishing closed ecosystems: Creating closed ecosystems or biospheres on Mars can provide plants with necessary air, humidity, and temperature conditions. 4. Using artificial light sources: Due to the weaker sunlight intensity on the Martian surface, artificial light sources such as LED lights may be needed to provide the necessary light for plants. 5. Martian soil improvement: Martian soil needs to be improved to provide the nutrients required for plant growth. Scientists are researching how to improve soil by adding organic matter or using chemical methods. 6. Utilizing the Martian atmosphere: The Martian atmosphere contains large amounts of carbon dioxide, which is needed for plant photosynthesis. Technical methods can be used to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for plants. 7. Synthetic biology: Synthetic biology can be used to design new organisms capable of growing in the Martian environment, including plants. 8. Research on cold-resistant plants: During the third comprehensive scientific expedition in Xinjiang, a research team from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences discovered a plant that shows promise for survival on Mars—Syntrichia caninervis. This plant can survive in extreme desert environments and has strong drought tolerance, cold resistance, and radiation resistance. 9. Martian agricultural technology: Automated agricultural technologies, including robotic farming and hydroponic systems, can improve the growth efficiency of plants on Mars. 10. Space breeding: Using the space environment for plant breeding to cultivate plant varieties adapted to the Martian environment. Despite many challenges, with technological advancement, it is possible to plant on Mars and achieve self-sufficient agricultural models in the future. Syntrichia caninervis Syntrichia caninervis (Mitt) is a moss plant that, when kept as a specimen in a "dry-dead" state for twelve years, can quickly revive when given water. During the third Xinjiang scientific expedition, the research team from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences focused on studying this desert moss. For the first time, it was systematically proven that Syntrichia caninervis can tolerate more than 98% of its own cell dehydration to achieve "dry but not dead," withstand -196°C ultra-low temperature rapid freezing to achieve "frozen but not dead," and tolerate over 5,000 Gy gamma radiation to achieve "radiated but not dead." It can also quickly recover, turn green, and resume growth, showing extraordinary resilience. The study also found that under simulated Mars conditions with multiple adversities (650±30 Pa, -60°C to 20°C, 95% CO2, various UV radiation), this moss can still survive and regenerate new plants after returning to suitable conditions. Through research, the team also discovered the unique features of this moss. Its overlapping leaves reduce water evaporation, and the white awn tips at the leaf apex can reflect intense sunlight; additionally, the awn innovatively implements a "top-down" water absorption mode, which is an extremely efficient intelligent device for collecting and transporting water from the atmosphere; furthermore, at the physiological and metabolic levels, it can enter a selective metabolic dormancy state during adversity and can quickly provide the energy needed for recovery when adverse conditions are lifted.