Question

as astronomers have learned more about mars, theyve found that the planet actually has several things in common with earth. when it comes to their basic compositions, mars and earth are similar. the planets each have a dense core surrounded by a mantle and a crust. earths surface varies, containing mountains, volcanoes, canyons, and deserts. likewise, mars has a surface covered by mountains, plains, and sand dunes. both mars and earth have been hit by meteors and asteroids on numerous occasions. of course, many differences exist between the planets. earths average surface temperature is about 14°c; marss is -46°c. mars also has a thin atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide, while earth has a dense atmosphere.

Explanation:

• "Has a dense core covered by a mantle and crust": The text states "the planets each have a dense core surrounded by a mantle and a crust", so both Earth and Mars have this, check both.
• "Has a varied surface": Earth has mountains, volcanoes, canyons, deserts; Mars has mountains, plains, sand dunes. So both have varied surfaces, check both.
• "Has been struck by meteors and asteroids": "Both Mars and Earth have been hit by meteors and asteroids on numerous occasions", check both.
• "Has an average temperature of 14°C": Only Earth has this as Mars' is - 46°C, check only Earth.
• "Has a thin atmosphere": Only Mars has a thin atmosphere (Earth has a dense one), check only Mars.

Answer:

• Has a dense core covered by a mantle and crust: Earth (✔), Mars (✔)
• Has a varied surface: Earth (✔), Mars (✔)
• Has been struck by meteors and asteroids: Earth (✔), Mars (✔)
• Has an average temperature of 14°C: Earth (✔), Mars (✖)
• Has a thin atmosphere: Earth (✖), Mars (✔)