1. the hypothetical process by which life arose from non-living chemical matter on the early Earth
Usage: scientific term; also called chemical evolution

Examples

• Scientists study abiogenesis to understand how the first living organisms emerged from inorganic compounds.
• The theory of abiogenesis suggests that life began through natural chemical processes billions of years ago.
• Abiogenesis differs from evolution in that it explains the origin of life itself, not the diversity of living things.
• Laboratory experiments on abiogenesis have shown that organic molecules can form under conditions similar to early Earth.
• Many researchers believe abiogenesis occurred in hydrothermal vents or shallow pools on the primordial ocean floor.