Question

In which respect, the heterotroph hypothesis differs from the early ideas of spontaneous generation?

• A. The idea of spontaneous generation maintained that complex organisms could arise suddenly from non-living matter.
• B. It assumed that spontaneous generation was a continuous process that could happen even today.
• C. The heterotroph hypothesis assumes that a very simple organism evolved slowly from non-living matter and this occurred in the primitive environmental conditions.
• D. In all of the above conditions.

Answer 1

The correct option is D In all of the above conditions.

The heterotrophic hypothesis, also known as the Haldane-Oparin hypothesis after two scientists who independently proposed it, posits that life (organic molecules) could have formed from inorganic molecules. In other words, life could have formed without requiring a 'divine nudge' and without having to come from another planet. Much research has been conducted to explain how life could spontaneously form. The general theme is that components of earth's atmosphere could form into complex organic molecules, which could then assemble into more complex groupings, which eventually would become life. The heterotroph hypothesis assumes that a very simple organism evolved slowly from non-living matter and this occurred in the primitive environmental conditions.
Spontaneous generation, the hypothetical process by which living organisms develop from nonliving matter. It assumed that spontaneous generation was a continuous process that could happen even today. Thus, option D is correct.