On the transitional character and regularity of planetary abiogenesis

Area of Science:

• Planetary Science
• Astrobiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The emergence of life from non-living matter (abiogenesis) is a fundamental scientific question.
• Understanding if abiogenesis is a common or rare event under diverse planetary conditions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether abiogenesis is a statistically regular process or a highly contingent event.
• To introduce a framework for assessing the regularity of life's emergence across different planetary environments.

Main Methods:

• Development of the adaptability ladder model to formalize the progression from chemical systems to biochemical systems.
• Formulation of the regularity hypothesis with specialized and general statements.
• Assessment of detectability of proto-biotic states across laboratory simulation, in situ exploration, and remote sensing.

Main Results:

• A strong complementarity exists between detection channels and regularity classes.
• Fragile proto-biotic states are primarily accessible through laboratory studies.
• Early adaptive states should emerge reproducibly under simulated planetary conditions if the regularity hypothesis holds true.

Conclusions:

• Laboratory experimentation is central to understanding the regularity of biological emergence.
• The adaptability ladder model extends habitability definitions to include informational aspects.
• This framework aids in prioritizing empirical search efforts for life beyond Earth.