Multiple Choice
Which of the following pieces of evidence most strongly suggests that life arises relatively easily under suitable conditions?
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24. History of Life on Earth
Origin of Life
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The Miller-Urey experiment showed that molecules like amino acids can form abiotically. However, the experiment has been criticized for using what are now believed to be incorrect environmental conditions. Scientists have since repeated the experiment using conditions that are thought to be more like the conditions where life first evolved and achieved the same results. What conditions did scientists likely try to replicate in the lab to model the abiotic synthesis of the first biological molecules?
A
Neutral chemistry at the edges of melting glaciers.
B
Alkaline hydrothermal vents in the ocean.
C
Dry acidic conditions with abundant silica.
D
Tidal pools with abundant lightning activity.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the context of the Miller-Urey experiment: It was designed to simulate early Earth conditions to test the chemical origins of life, specifically the abiotic synthesis of organic molecules.
Identify the key environmental conditions that are hypothesized to have existed on early Earth: Scientists believe that early Earth had environments such as alkaline hydrothermal vents, which are rich in minerals and provide a gradient of temperatures and chemical conditions.
Consider why alkaline hydrothermal vents are significant: These vents provide a continuous supply of heat and chemicals, such as hydrogen and methane, which are thought to be conducive to the formation of complex organic molecules.
Evaluate the other options: Neutral chemistry at the edges of melting glaciers, dry acidic conditions with abundant silica, and tidal pools with abundant lightning activity. Compare these with the conditions at hydrothermal vents.
Conclude that the alkaline hydrothermal vents are the most likely conditions scientists would replicate in the lab to model the abiotic synthesis of the first biological molecules, due to their unique chemical and thermal properties.
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