Final answer:
The RNA world hypothesis suggests that RNA was the first organic molecule to evolve, making it the precursor to both DNA and proteins due to its unique functions that resemble both.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origins of Organic Molecules in Evolution
When considering which organic molecule arose first during evolution, we look at the RNA world hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that RNA was likely the first organic molecule to evolve. The reason RNA is considered the precursor to both DNA and proteins is that it has the capability to encode genetic instructions similar to DNA and can carry out chemical reactions akin to proteins. This characteristic of RNA potentially solves the 'chicken-and-egg' problem of which molecule came first in early life forms. Therefore, according to this hypothesis, RNA would precede the evolution of DNA and proteins. Other models and evidence point to this as well, despite ongoing research and debates in the scientific community.
Thus, to answer the question, the molecule thought to have arisen first during evolution is (c) RNA.