What does a planet need in order to retain an atmosphere? How does an atmosphere affect the surface of a planet and the ability of life to exist?

Explained

Explanation:

In order to retain atmosphere a planet needs to have gravity. A gravity sufficient enough to create a dense atmosphere around it, so that it can retain heat coming from sun. Mars has shallow atmosphere as its gravity is only 40% of the Earth's gravity. Venus is somewhat similar to Earth but due to green house effect its temperature is very high. Atmosphere has a huge impact on the planets ability to sustain life. Presence of certain kind gases make the atmosphere poisnous for life. The atmosphere should be such that it allows water to remain in liquid form and maintain an optimum temperature suitable for life.