Abiogenesis vs Common Descent

Question from the Define Evolution video: Aren't Abiogenesis and Common Descent the same thing?

Nope.

If we found a mechanism for Abiogenesis and repeated the experiment three times, we would have a total of four points of origin. Suddenly, our framework for descent looks a lot more like the "Orchard of Life" we mentioned when we talked about descent with modification. Ironically, doing experiments to demonstrate abiogenesis would make common descent obsolete.

Great question. Keep 'em coming so we can learn more, together.

 ~Luke
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