What started life?

The origin of life on Earth is a complex and still largely unresolved scientific question. It is believed to have begun about 3.5 to 4 billion years ago, likely through a process known as abiogenesis, where simple organic molecules formed and eventually organized into self-replicating structures. Environmental factors such as volcanic activity, the presence of water, and lightning may have contributed to the formation of these early life forms. Over time, these primitive organisms evolved, leading to the diverse array of life we see today.