Origin of Life on Earth at Present, Essay

Total Length: 645 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 2

Page 1 of 2

Origin of Life on Earth

At present, scientists are still in search of the answer to how life originated on Earth. Until now, they are continuously studying several kinds of facts and are carrying on with their research. At the moment, there are 3 competing theories on the origin of life on Earth i.e. The Panspermia Theory, The Heterotrophic Theory and the Autotrophic Theory.

The Panspermia Theory

The Panspermia Theory was proposed by Svante Arrhenius, a Swedish chemist, in the early 20th century. He suggested that life on Earth did not begin on this planet but came from space. Panspermia is a Greek word whereby spermia means seeds and pan means everywhere. This theory supports the idea that simple life forms are capable of travelling in space can expand in any atmosphere or setting. Another feature of the theory denotes the idea that the growth and expansion of living organisms into superior forms is hereditarily determined and comes from the outer world (Harrison, 2000).
However, this theory is just a transport theory suggesting that "organisms originate on planets and then are wafted through the heavens, ready to initiate life wherever possible" (Harrison, 2000). If truth be told, the Panspermia Theory is just a transport theory and is unsuccessful in explaining the origin of life on Earth. However, the subject of whether life has celestial foundation remains open to this day.

The Heterotrophic Theory

The Heterotrophic Theory regarding the origin of life suggests that the heterotrophs (organism that cannot manufacture their own food and are dependent on complex organic substances for food and sustenance) were the first living things on Earth. A good number of scientists support this theory and agree that heterotrophs started life on our planet and fed on organic molecules in the oceans. Adequate evidence is available that advocates the point that a large selection of compounds were present in the early oceanic regions. It is suggested that….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Origin Of Life On Earth At Present " (2012, December 30) Retrieved May 22, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/origin-life-earth-present-105506

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Origin Of Life On Earth At Present " 30 December 2012. Web.22 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/origin-life-earth-present-105506>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Origin Of Life On Earth At Present ", 30 December 2012, Accessed.22 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/origin-life-earth-present-105506