Reading comprehension with question 12

  Reading comprehension with question 

Humans might live in mushroom colonies, built using fungus, algae and water on the Moon in the coming years. This is if NASA's new plan is executed perfectly.

The space agency plans to conquer the Moon and build colonies where humans can live and conduct more experiments. It is supposed to act as a springboard to reach further into space, especially Mars. 

However, NASA is faced with the dilemma of building these structures since it might not be possible to send bricks and steel to the Moon, and even if it can, whether or not they can sustain the lunar environment is an altogether different question. Besides, sending just one pound of material to the moon costs a whopping million dollars. 

his is where fungus comes into the picture, as per fresh plans to settle humans there, which is expected to prove cost-effective as well as resilient.

Al Jazeera reported that NASA is planning to use mycotecture, a method that uses fungal spores and algae, to not build, but grow structures in space.

NASA is collaborating with others to make it a reality. Chris Maurer, founder of the architecture firm Redhouse, a company partnering with the space agency, told Al Jazeera, "You can’t take boards or bricks. So what are you going to build with?"

The answer lies in the lunar soil, water and mould, which will be sent to the Moon in sealed and inflatable form. The fungal spores, when combined with algae and water, will literally start growing into habitable structures which will provide the perfect place for humans to stay. 

Experts say these mushroom buildings will protect astronauts from dangerous space events, such as the widespread harmful radiation and micrometeorites.

Radiation, Maurer says, is the primary reason why man has never returned to the Moon since the epic Apollo missions. 

He says fungus-based structures will prove to be a game-changer in man's quest to go back to the moon, and further into space. Just eight centimetres of the material can block over 99 per cent of radiation. The magnum of this plan can be gauged by the fact that in contrast 10 feet of lunar dust does the same job. 

As the first step, NASA will test small-scale models on the moon by 2028. 

NASA wants to build bases on the Moon which astronauts will use as stepping stones to travel towards their next destination - Mars. 

Similar mushroom structures will be used to build on Mars as well in which humans will be able to dwell safely. 

Comprehension Questions with Multiple Choice Answers

Question 1:
What is the primary reason NASA is considering using fungal spores and algae to build structures on the Moon?

A) Fungal spores and algae are easier to transport from Earth.
B) Fungal spores can withstand the lunar temperature extremes.
C) Sending traditional materials like bricks and steel is too expensive and impractical.
D) Lunar soil is incompatible with any other building materials.

Question 2:
According to the passage, why is the fungus-based structure considered a "game-changer" for space colonization?

A) It can regenerate itself over time.
B) It offers better protection from radiation than lunar dust.
C) It enhances astronauts' ability to grow food in space.
D) It is immune to the effects of lunar gravity.

Question 3:
What makes fungal structures more suitable for space environments compared to traditional materials?

A) They are cheaper to manufacture on Earth.
B) They can grow and adapt to the lunar environment with minimal resources.
C) They are aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.
D) They can be easily transported back to Earth.

Question 4:
What specific advantage does the mycotecture method provide in terms of radiation protection?

A) Fungal buildings can block over 99% of radiation with just 8 cm of material.
B) It reflects solar radiation more effectively than lunar dust.
C) Fungal buildings can absorb harmful chemicals in space.
D) It requires less material to be shipped from Earth to offer full protection.

Question 5:
What is the significance of NASA’s 2028 timeline in the context of this project?

A) It is the year NASA plans to send the first astronauts to Mars.
B) NASA aims to test small-scale fungal structures on the Moon by 2028.
C) NASA plans to start growing food on the Moon by 2028.
D) It marks the completion of the first human settlement on the Moon.

Question 6: 

What is the ultimate goal of NASA’s plan to build mushroom-based structures on the Moon?

A) To make the Moon a permanent base for Earth’s inhabitants.
B) To create an experimental hub for future space farming techniques.
C) To use the Moon as a stepping stone for further space exploration, especially Mars.
D) To prove that sustainable living environments can be built outside Earth without human intervention

Answer: -
1. C

2. B

3. B

4. A

5. B

6. C