The theory of spontaneous generation can be confirmed by the birth of flies on raw meat left exposed to the open air for several days. Why is that not sufficient to confirm that spontaneous generation is true?
A) Because the theory is contrary to natural law.
B) Because the theory was already known to be consistent with prevailing opinion.
C) Because the theory can be disconfirmed by preventing flies from laying their eggs on the meat.
D) Because the theory can still be ridiculed in the media as Medieval superstition.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The birth of flies on raw meat left exposed to the open air only demonstrates that flies were able to lay their eggs on the meat and subsequently hatch. It does not confirm that the meat was spontaneously generated from non-living matter, which was the main claim of the theory of spontaneous generation. The fact that preventing flies from laying their eggs on the meat can disconfirm the theory also shows that it is not a valid explanation for the origin of life. Choices A, B, and D do not adequately address why the birth of flies on raw meat is insufficient to confirm spontaneous generation.

The Theory of Spontaneous Generation Can Be Confirmed by the Birth