Arrange the following historical events in the history of life in chronological order?

(A) Natural selection
(B) Self-replicating molecules
(C) Eukaryotic cell
(D) Prokaryotic cell

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(B), (A), (D), (C)

The correct answer is Option (3) → (B), (A), (D), (C)  

B.  Self-Replicating Molecules

Before the emergence of the first cells, the building blocks of life had to form. Scientists believe that self-replicating molecules, such as RNA, were the first step. These molecules could copy themselves and carry genetic information, making them the precursor to life as we know it. This process is part of the "RNA world" hypothesis.

A. Natural Selection

Once self-replicating molecules existed, they were subject to natural selection. Those molecules that were more stable or better at replicating themselves would have become more common, while less successful ones would have faded away. This is a fundamental principle that drives the evolution of all life forms.

D. Prokaryotic Cells

The first true living organisms were prokaryotic cells . These are simple cells without a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles. They appeared about 3.5 billion years ago and were the dominant form of life on Earth for a very long time. Examples of prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea.

C. Eukaryotic Cells

Much later, about 2 billion years ago, eukaryotic cells emerged. These cells are more complex than prokaryotes and have a nucleus and other specialized organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts. Eukaryotic cells are the building blocks of all complex, multicellular organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi. The endosymbiotic theory explains how some organelles within eukaryotic cells originated from prokaryotic cells living inside them.