What are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars called?

In the solar system, planets are categorized into terrestrial planets and Jovian (gas giant) planets based on their composition, size, and location. Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars form the group of terrestrial planets because of their rocky surfaces and solid crusts.

Key features of terrestrial planets include:

1. 
   

   Rocky and solid surface – Unlike gas giants, these planets have mountains, valleys, craters, and in some cases, active volcanism.

   
   


2. 
   

   Smaller size and mass – They are significantly smaller than the outer planets.

   
   


3. 
   

   High density – Composed mainly of silicate rocks and metals, giving them higher density than gaseous planets.

   
   


4. 
   

   Few or no moons – For example, Mercury and Venus have no moons, while Earth has one and Mars has two.

   
   


5. 
   

   Closer to the Sun – These planets occupy the inner solar system, which is why they experience higher temperatures compared to outer planets.

   
   

By contrast, Jovian planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are gaseous, larger, and less dense, lacking a solid surface and having extensive atmospheres of hydrogen and helium.

Analyzing the options:

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  A) Dwarf planets – Incorrect. Dwarf planets, such as Pluto, are smaller celestial bodies that do not clear their orbit.

  
  


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  B) Gaseous planets – Incorrect. Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are rocky, not gaseous.

  
  


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  C) Terrestrial planets – ✅ Correct. Solid, rocky planets of the inner solar system.

  
  


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  D) Both A & B – Incorrect. These planets are neither dwarf nor gaseous.

  
  

Understanding terrestrial planets is essential for studying planet formation, geology, and habitability. Earth is unique in this group for supporting life, while Mercury and Venus have extreme temperatures, and Mars is a focus of ongoing exploration due to potential past water presence.

✅ Correct Answer: C) Terrestrial planets