The Beginning

Millions and millions of years ago, a chemical formed that was able to make copies of its self. Then it was destroyed by the very harsh environment that created it. Then another of those chemicals was created, and this time the chemical was not destroyed. The chemical copied its self, over and over. But not all the copies were perfect. There were small, accidental changes in the chemical. Some of those changes made the chemical inviable. But others made the chemical more able to survive. The chemicals started to diversify. Soon not only one type of chemical floated around, but thousands. Then some of the chemicals learned how to interact with their surrounding. Some of the chemicals began to group together, and some of the chemicals bean to engage in chemical and physical warfare. Some surrounded themselves with other molecules that would protect them. After many, many millions of years, huge numbers of different chemicals have arisen, and each interacts with it's surroundings in different ways.
One type of chemical is said to have succeeded in the face of adversity when enough accidental changes occur for the chemical to adapt to the new circumstances. Failure occurs when every instance of the chemical is wiped out, without any instances of that chemical surviving in the same or a changed form.
On the grand scale on which these chemicals operate, the individual is of little consequence. However, it is a most sad event when every instance of the chemical ceases to exist. In fact, it is the most sad event. It is a sad fact that more chemicals have been lost than currently exist.  Even more chemicals are lost every day, due to the actions of one specific group of chemicals.