AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BC) was one of the earliest recorded scholars to articulate the theory of spontaneous generation, the notion that life can arise from nonliving matter. Aristotle proposed that life arose from nonliving material if the material contained pneuma (“vital heat”).

Detailed explanation-2: -The theory of spontaneous generation, first comprehensively posited by Aristotle in his book ”On the Generation of Animals” around 350 B.C., aims to explain the seemingly sudden emergence of organisms such as rats, flies and maggots within rotting meat and other decomposable items.

Detailed explanation-3: -The first scientist to challenge the theory of spontaneous generation was Francesco Redi with his experiments with containers or rotting meat and maggots.

Detailed explanation-4: -So, the correct answer is ‘Life can arise from non-living things only’.