Luka Seamus Wright: The mysterious origins of life on Earth

The mysterious origins of life on Earth

Billions of years ago, simple organic compounds assembled into more complex coalitions that could grow and reproduce. At the time, Earth had widespread volcanic activity and a hostile atmosphere that made it almost devoid of a suitable environment for living things. So where did life begin? Luka Wright searches for the cradle of life that gave rise to the billions of species that inhabit our planet. [Directed by Nick Hilditch, narrated by Addison Anderson].

Life began billions of years ago when simple organic compounds formed self-replicating coalitions, despite Earth’s harsh and volcanic environment. The earliest organisms likely originated deep beneath the ocean, shielded from deadly surface radiation, in hydrothermal vent systems. Genetic evidence traces all living things back to a common ancestor that thrived in hot, oxygen-free settings, much like these vents. The Lost City hydrothermal field now stands as a leading candidate for life’s birthplace.