abiogenesis

Abiogenesis is the scientific concept that explains how life originated from non-living matter on Earth. It suggests that, under the right conditions, simple organic molecules gradually combined to form more complex structures, eventually leading to the first simple organisms. This process is believed to have occurred over millions of years, likely in environments like ocean vents or shallow ponds, where energy sources like sunlight, heat, or lightning could drive chemical reactions. Abiogenesis is distinct from evolution, which describes how existing life forms change over time, rather than how life initially began.