Question

The theory of spontaneous generation stated that

• A. Life arose from living forms only
• B. Life can arise from both living and non-living
• C. Life can arise from non-living things only
• D. Life arises spontaneously, neither from living nor from the non-living

Answer 1

The correct option is C Life can arise from non-living things only

The theory of spontaneous generation states that life originated from non-living things in a spontaneous manner. This concept was held by early Greek philosophers like Thales, Anaximander, Xanophanes, Empedocles, Plato, Aristotle, etc. In ancient Egypt, it was believed that the mud of the Nile could give rise to frogs, toads, snakes, mice and even crocodiles when warmed by the sun. Van Helmont $(1577-1644)$ held that human sweat and wheat grains could give rise to organisms.

So, the correct answer is 'Life can arise from non-living things only'.