LAB 5: Steps From an Abiotic to a Biotic Earth: Origins of Life

Background: One of the central questions humans have been asking through the ages is, How did life come to be? Through your readings and class discussions, you should be forming a general understanding of the scientific perspective on the origin of life, including the fossil evidence for it.

Instructions: 1. Order the following pictures marking key transition events from an abiotic (no life) to a biotic (having life) earth according to the sequence in which they most likely occurred (1=first, 11=last). The pictures are taken from fieldtrips and readings.

For each picture, briefly indicate its significance. You do not have to identify the specific fossils, but where a representative is given, discuss the significance of its evolutionary innovations (e.g., multi-celled). If fossil evidence is lacking or has been obtained through lab experiments, indicate so for respective events. Also state between which two steps you would say life began.