Final answer:
The contradiction arises because the elemental composition of living organisms doesn't mirror environmental abundance but rather depends on the elements' bioavailability and their assimilation through complex biological processes. Life concentrates essential elements necessary for its chemical processes despite their lesser natural abundance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The contradiction between the abundance of elements and element life is based on the observation that the elemental composition of living organisms does not reflect the most abundant elements in the environment. For example, elements essential for life such as iron and molybdenum are not as prevalent in the Earth's crust or atmosphere compared to elements like nitrogen and oxygen. This discrepancy arises because the availability of elements that organisms can assimilate is more important than their overall abundance on Earth. Organisms have evolved specific mechanisms to concentrate and utilize these essential elements despite their lesser abundance.
For instance, while oxygen and hydrogen are abundant and easily assimilated from air and water, other essential elements like carbon and nitrogen are obtained through more complex biological processes involving the consumption of food. This indicates that living systems are not in equilibrium with their environment and actively manipulate it to meet their nutritional needs. The process of nutrient acquisition and elemental use in biology follows the chemical and physical laws applicable to all matter.