In this part of the quiz, indicate the main function of the term or phrase that is in boldface in the following passage. More than one letter might be acceptable, but you must choose only one option as the best. Consider these passages by Paul Davies: “There is little on the Moon to sustain human life. Mars, however, is a different story. Because of the planet’s relatively benign environment, it is theoretically able to support a permanent human presence. If provided with the right equipment, astronauts would have a chance of living there for years. A one-way trip to Mars need not mean a quick demise.” “Obviously this strategy carries significa nt risks in addition to those faced by a conventional Mars mission. Major equipment failure could leave the colony without enough power, oxygen, or food. An accident might kill or disable an astronaut who provided some vital expertise. A supply drop might fail, condemning the colonists to starve in a very public way. Even if nothing went wrong, the astronauts’ lives would certainly be shortened by the harsh conditions....”