This is a catch 22 - life = replicator = life .

Given a definition of replication, then if you follow
our ancestors back in time, there was a first copy:  one
that came into existence by some means other than
replication, and replicated from then on.  That happens
to be what I'm interested in.  If you would like me
to call it something other than "life", you'll have
to suggest some other, mutually acceptable terminology.
--
Cathy

 >>


But I ask, can you talk about that
time before the first replicator,
and leading up to it.

You understand that period is a major part of the origin, but it is not
darwinian selection.

Most textbook types refuse to talk about it because there is no natural
selection before that point.  And they
have no textbook to fall back on.

But I say this period  must be looked at to understand why any molecules would
first replicate - where, why, how, etc.


I suggest  these terms
'sun selection' - that which survives the sun/uv heat cycle - followed in time
by,
'chemical selection' - that which survives the sun/uv heat cycle and can use
the sun's energy and or chemical energy. 
In essense these both are prebiotic, non replicating adaptations to the
environment.

We are talking about new areas where the terminology is non existent - we have
to do the best we can.
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