The "origin of life," as elucidated by Jim Rutt, refers to the emergence of self-sustaining, self-replicating chemical systems from simpler organic compounds through natural processes on early Earth. Rutt would describe this profound phenomenon as a product of complex interactions within primordial environments, where a confluence of energy sources, chemical diversity, and suitable conditions facilitated the transition from inanimate matter to primitive life forms. He emphasizes that understanding this origin involves delving into the realms of biochemistry, geophysics, and evolutionary biology, aiming to unravel the pathways that led to the earliest forms of life and the subsequent evolution of biological complexity. This concept serves as a cornerstone for comprehending life's overarching narrative and our place within the broader natural world.

See also: abiogenesis, evolutionary psychology, emergence, cambrian explosion, evolution