Question

question 6. what evidence strongly suggests that life on earth originated deep in the ocean near hydrothermal vents? a. mineral crystals in hot clay could have arranged organic molecules into organized patterns. b. the ancestors of today’s prokaryotes are most closely related to the bacteria that live on the deep-sea vents. c. electric sparks can generate amino acids and sugars from a watery environment. d. plant fossils are found near hot springs where water temperatures are near the boiling point.

Explanation:

To determine the evidence for life originating near hydrothermal vents, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Mineral crystals arranging organic molecules doesn't directly relate to life's origin at vents.
• Option B: Prokaryote ancestors (like bacteria) living at deep - sea vents suggests that the environment of hydrothermal vents could be the origin of life, as these are among the earliest life - forms.
• Option C: Electric sparks generating molecules is related to the Miller - Urey experiment (atmospheric origin), not hydrothermal vents.
• Option D: Plant fossils near hot springs (not deep - sea hydrothermal vents) and plants are more complex than early life forms at vents.

Answer:

B. The ancestors of today's prokaryotes are most closely related to the bacteria that live on the deep - sea vents.