Life in the Universe Many scientists today are convinced that life exists elsewhere in the universe---life probably much like that on our own planet. They reason in the following way. As far as astronomers can determine, the entire universe is built of the same matter. They have no reason to doubt that matter obeys the same laws in every part of the universe. Therefore, it is reasonable to guess that other stars, with their own planets, were born in the same way as our own solar system. What we know of life on earth suggests that life will arise wherever the proper conditions exist. Life requires the right amount and kind of atmosphere. This eliminates all those planets in the universe that are not about the same size and weight as the earth. A smaller planet would lose its atmosphere; a larger one would hold too much of it. Life also requires a steady supply of heat and light. This eliminates double stars, or stars that flare up suddenly. Only single stars that are steady sources of heat and light like our sun would qualify. Finally, life could evolve only if the planet is just the right distance from its sun. With a weaker sun than our own, the planet would have to be closer to it. With a stronger sun, it would have to be farther away. If we suppose that every star in the universe has a family of planets, then how many planets might support life? First, eliminate those stars that are not like our sun. Next eliminate most of their planets; they are either too far from or too close to their suns. Then eliminate all those planets which are not the same size and weight as the earth. Finally, remember that the proper conditions do not necessarily mean that life actually does exist on a planet. It may not have begun yet, or it may have already died out. This process of elimination seems to leave very few planets on which earthlike life might be found. However, even if life could exist on only one planet in a million, there are so many billions of planets that this would still leave a vast number on which life could exist. 1. Astronomers believe that matter in different parts of the universe A) has different laws. B) has one common law. C) shares the same laws D) shares no common law. 2. The existence of life depends on all of the following factors EXCEPT A) the right amount of atmosphere.B) our own solar system. C) steady heat and light D) the right distance from the sun. 3. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT? A) The planet must be as big and heavy as the earth. B) Proper conditions are essential to the existence of life C) Double stars can provide steady light and heat. D) The distance between a planet and its sun should be right. 4. What kind of planet might NOT support life? A) Most of the planets of the stars. B) Stars similar to our sun. C) Planets similar to the earth. D) Planets with proper conditions. 5. At the end of the passage the author suggests that A) it is impossible for life to exist on planets. B) earthlike life could only exist on a few planets. C) life could exist on only one planet in a million. D) life could exist on a great number of planets. KEY: CBCAD The Barbie Dolls In the mid 1940s, the young ambitious duo Ruth and Elliot Handler, owned a company that made wooden pictures frames. It was in 1945 that Ruth and Elliot Handler joined with their close friend Harold Mattson to form a company that would be known for the most famous and successful doll ever created. This company would be named Mattel, MATT for Mattson, and EL for Elliot. In the mid 1950s, while visiting Switzerland, Ruth Handler purchased a German Lilli doll. Lilli was a shapely, pretty fashion doll first made in 1955. She was originally fashioned after a famous cartoon character in the West German Newsletter, Build. Lilli is the doll that would inspire Ruth Handler to design the Barbie doll. With the help of her technicians and engineers at Mattel, Barbie was born. Ruth then hired Charlotte Johnson, a fashion designer, to create Barbies wardrobe. It was in 1958 that the patent for Barbie was obtained. This would be a fashion doll unlike any of her time. She would be long limbed, shapely, beautiful, and only 11.5 inches tall. Ruth and Elliot would name their new fashion doll after their own daughter, Barbie. In 1959, the Barbie doll would make her way to the New York Toy Show and receive a cool reception from the toy buyers. Barbie has undergone a lot of changes over the years and has managed to keep up with current trends in hairstyles, makeup and clothing. She is a reflection of the history of fashion since her introduction to the toy market. Barbie has a universal appeal and collectors both young and old enjoy time spent and memories made with their dolls. 1. When Ruth and Elliot Handler was young, they had a strong desire A) to go to school. B) to take photos. C) to make frames. D) to be highly successful. 2. Who owned Mattel? A) Mattson. B) Elliot. C) Harold Mattson and Elliot Handler. D) Harold Mattson, Ruth and Ellion Handler. 3. It can be inferred from the second paragraph that Lilli was fashioned after A) Build. B) a German doll. C) a pretty girl. D) a shapely woman. 4. Where did Ruth Handlers inspiration for the design of the Barbie doll come from? A) Barbie. B) Lilli. C) Charlotte Johnson. D) A fashion designer. 5. Which of the following statements is NOT true of the Barbie doll? A) She does not attract young men. B) She has undergone many changes over the years. C) She is 11.5 inches tall. D) She has managed to keep up with fashion. KEY: DDABA