According to modern ideas, the first step in the origin of life was a. volcanic activity b. the formation of simple organic molecules c. the presence of oxygen in earth’s environment d. the evolution of autotrophic prokaryotes

Correct answer is b. the formation of simple organic molecules

Groups of connected organisms have developed in order to changes  the environment by the natural selection. This process is happening since over four billion years ago when the life arises from simple organic molecules in water.