eves was similar to the chemical reactions that began life except the heat loving microbes of the hydrothermal vents operated the cycle backwards. Instead of giving off carbon dioxide they incorporated carbon atoms to create more complex molecules which later evolved into cells (Simpson 1999). The theory of life beginning on the ocean bottom has also rekindled interest in the theory of life on other planets. Many believe that if life did originate around a hydrothermal system here on earth then the same could have happened on other planets that contained oceans and hydrothermal activity. Scientists believe that Mars at one time contained the right environment for such activity. Europa, one of Jupiters moons, is also thought to fit the requirements. Scientists will never know for sure how life started on earth some four billion years ago. They may discover ways that life could have evolved but there is no way of knowing for sure. Since scientists can not be certain what the early earth was like; what chemical reactions occurred on a daily basis; and how much radiation, meteorites, and rain attacked the surface they can not know for sure the requirements that the first organisms had to meet. One thing they do know is that the chemical make up of the earths surface, oceans, and atmosphere were not like they are today. We breathe oxygen today because the ancestors of todays organisms evolved from using a purely chemical reaction to obtain its energy to photosynthesis that produced oxygen as a side effect. With todays overpopulation, food shortages, and limited natural resources in most parts of the world we are once again turning to the ocean for our energy sources. It has been said that history repeats itself. Could it be possible that we will one day return to depending on the ocean for our actual survival? Could we once again return to the hidden Garden of Eden? ...
