Lesson 2 - Theories on the Origin of Life

Question 1

An experiment that aimed to disprove the idea that spontaneously appeared from decaying meat (spontaneous generation). It was concluded that maggots did not arise from the meat itself, but from the eggs laid by flies.

Answer 1

Francesco Redi’s Experiment

Question 2

An experiment that sought to show that microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, could arise spontaneously from non-living material, such as broth or gravy. It was concluded that micro organisms spontaneously appeared in the broth supporting the theory of spontaneous generation.

Answer 2

John Needham’s Experiment

Question 3

An experiment conducted to demonstrate that microorganisms did not arise spontaneously but rather came from pre-existing microorganisms in the environment.

Answer 3

Lazzaro Spallanzani’s Experiment

Question 4

An experiment that proved new organisms only arise from other existing organisms and disproved the theory of spontaneous origin.

Answer 4

Louis Pasteur’s Experiment

Question 5

A theory on the origin of life that points to a divine being or creator as the origin of life

Answer 5

Divine Creation

Question 6

A theory of the belief that life could emerge from non-living matter on its own

Answer 6

Spontaneous Origin

Question 7

A theory that states life, or at least the building blocks of life, exists throughout the universe and can be transferred between planets, moons, and celestial bodies via comets, asteroids, meteorites, or interstellar dust.

Answer 7

Panspermia