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Line 1: − The idea that living [[organism]]s spontaneously form from non-living substances.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Biology''. Apologia+ − Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref>+ + − ==See also==+ − + + + + + + +
clarified distinction between "spontaneous generation" and "abiogenesis"
Spontaneous generation refers to the concept that animal forms are created by the decay of organic matter
<ref>http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio114/spontgen.htm</ref>
<ref>http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/AB/BC/Spontaneous_Generation.html</ref>. Common theories included:
* Moldy grain produces mice
*[[Abiogenesis]]
* Rotten meat produces maggots
* Rotting garbage produces rats
Experiments in the 1600s through the 1800s discredited this idea. These experiments took the form of allowing meat to rot in sealed and semi-sealed containers ([[Francesco Redi]], 1668), which demonstrated that maggots only formed in meat that flies laid eggs in; and by storing sterilized soup in bottles that prevented dust and bacteria from entering ([[Louis Pastuer]], 1860).
Today, the term is frequently misused in creationist literature <ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Biology''. Apologia
Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref>, and is used to obscure the concept of [[abiogenesis]]. Abiogenesis refers to a theorized event where a self-replicating chemical became self-replicating life.