On the Transitional Character and Regularity of Planetary Abiogenesis

The emergence of biology from planetary chemistry remains one of the central open questions in science. In this study, we address the core challenge of distinguishing whether abiogenesis is a statistically regular process under broadly defined planetary conditions, or a unique, highly contingent event. We introduce a systems-level framework: the abiogenesis ladder model that formalizes the progression from chemically rich environments to stable adaptive systems across five transitional classes, each defined by adaptability and persistence. We then assess their differential detectability across observation-al modalities: laboratory simulation, in situ exploration, and remote sensing. Our analysis reveals a strong complementarity between detection channels and system classes, with fragile prebiotic states accessible primarily through laboratory studies. Critically, we demonstrate that under the regularity hypothesis, such early adaptive states should emerge reproducibly under appropriate simulated planetary conditions. This result establishes a direct and testable link between laboratory experimentation and the global question of life's emergence, positioning lab-based studies as central to future progress. The framework extends conventional definitions of planetary habitability and informs the strategic prioritization of empirical search efforts.