Question

How was the theory of spontaneous generation used to explain why food that was left out would eventually be covered in microbes, maggots, flies, and rodents?

Answer 1

Answer Options:

1. The theory of spontaneous generation was not used to explain how living organisms can arise from nonliving matter.
2. When food became covered in microbes, maggots, flies, and rodents: these organisms were created by and arose from the food itself.
3. When food became covered in microbes, maggots, flies, and rodents: these organisms were caused by tiny microorganisms invading a host organism.
4. The theory of spontaneous generation was used to explain why heat and refrigeration are best for preserving food.

Answer:

3. When food became covered in microbes, maggots, flies, and rodents: these organisms were caused by tiny microorganisms invading a host organism.

Explanation:

Spontaneous generation was the theory that life could arise from non-living matter. Things like rotting food were thought to give rise to new organisms However, we now know that living things can only arise from other living things. What we are really observing with microorganisms growing on rotting food is that they like to eat it!