Question

What are the different theories about origin of life?

Answer 1

Six major theories have had been proposed to explain the the origin of life on earth. These theories are as follows:

1. Theory of Special Creations:The theory of special creation is proposed that life on earth is created by a supernatural power, the god.

2. Theory of spontaneous generations: The theory of spontaneous generation or abiogenesis assumes that non-living material in a spontaneous manner give rise to life.

3. Theory of catastrophism: This is the extension of the theory of special creation. This theory assumes that life is originated by the creation and it is followed by catastrophe due to geographical disturbances. Each catastrophe destroyed the life completely whereas each creation forms life different from the previous one.

4. Theory of panspermia or spore theory: This theory was put forward by Richter and strongly supported by Arrhenius. The theory assumes that life was present in the form of resistant spores and appeared on earth from other planet. Since the condition of earth was supporting the life, these spores grew and evolved into different organisms.

5. Theory of eternity of life: This theory assumes that life had no beginning or end. It believes that life has ever been in existence and it will continue to be so ever. It further believe that there is no question of origin of life as it has no beginning or end. The theory is also known as steady state theory

6. Modern theory: The modern theory is also known as “chemical theory” or theory of primary abiogenesis. In the modern theory, the hypothesis of abiogenesis was proposed with a condition that the non-living materials can give rise to life in the condition of primitive earth. This has been scientifically proven and is widely accepted theory among scientist.