Chapter 15, Problem 1STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction: Evidence indicates that a sequence of chemical events preceded the origin of life on Earth and that life has evolved continuously over time. There are many theories that attempted to explain the origin of life. One of the oldest ideas about origin of life is spontaneous generation. It states that life arises from nonliving matter. Redi and Pasteur tested and disproved the idea of spontaneous generation.

Answer to Problem 1STP

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option C. rotten meat in covered jars and uncovered jars

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option C. rotten meat in covered jars and uncovered jars- Redi investigated and tested the idea of spontaneous generation in 1668. He kept rotten meat in covered jars and uncovered jars. He tested on flies and found that flies- not meat- produced other flies. He observed that maggots appeared only in flasks that were open to flies and closed flasks did not have any flies and maggots. He hypothesized that maggots and flies did not arise spontaneously from rotting meat.

Hence this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option A. a flask filled with all the chemicals present on early Earth − Miller- Urey’s experiment had a flask filled with all the chemicals present on early Earth. Hence this is not the correct option.

Option B. mice sealed in jars with lit candles and jars with unlit candles- This set- up was not used by Francesco Redi to test the idea of spontaneous generation. Hence this is not the correct option.

Option D. special flasks that were filled with broth − Pasteur’s experiment consisted of special flasks that were filled with broth.

Hence this is not the correct option.