Question

People once thought that life could arise from nonliving matter, an idea called spontaneous generation. How did scientists show this idea to be incorrect? (1 point)

Answer 1

Scientists demonstrated that spontaneous generation is incorrect through a series of experiments, most notably those conducted by Louis Pasteur in the 19th century. Pasteur used swan-necked flasks to allow air in but prevent contamination from dust and microorganisms. He boiled nutrient broth in these flasks to sterilize it, and observed that no microbial growth occurred in the flasks that were protected from the environment, while broths that were exposed to open air became contaminated. This showed that life did not arise spontaneously from nonliving matter, but rather from existing microorganisms in the environment. His work, along with that of others like Francesco Redi and his experiments with decaying meat, provided strong evidence that living organisms come from other living organisms.