15. The Origin of Life
The origin of life on Earth stands as one of science’s greatest unsolved mysteries. Despite decades of research, scientists have yet to unravel exactly how non-living molecules assembled into the first self-replicating organisms. Theories range from the primordial soup hypothesis to deep-sea hydrothermal vents and even panspermia, but no single explanation encompasses all the evidence. The search for answers fuels ongoing exploration in biology, chemistry, and astronomy. For a deeper dive, visit National Academies Press.
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