Final answer:
The RNA world hypothesis is supported by RNA's ability to store genetic information and catalyze reactions, indicating it could have been the first self-replicating genetic material.
Step-by-step explanation:
The RNA world hypothesis is supported by the fact that RNA can store genetic information and can catalyze reactions, which suggests it may have been the first genetic material capable of replication. This hypothesis is underpinned by the ability of RNA to act as a versatile molecule, combining the storage of genetic information with enzymatic functions, which are necessary for self-replication. These two facts are integral to the RNA world hypothesis, as RNA's catalytic activities and ability to store information suggest it could have supported early life forms before the evolution of DNA and proteins.