Assess and compare the experimental, geochemical, and theoretical evidence for the RNA-world hypothesis versus metabolism-first models of the origin of life; evaluate strengths, weaknesses, and outstanding gaps using criteria such as chemical plausibility, energy coupling, continuity with modern biochemistry, reproducibility, and environmental context (e.g., hydrothermal vents, surface pools, mineral catalysis); cite representative examples (ribozyme activity, prebiotic nucleotide synthesis, autocatalytic cycles, mineral-mediated reactions) and conclude which model—or hybrid elements—best fits current data.