Difference between revisions of "Spontaneous generation"
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(clarified distinction between "spontaneous generation" and "abiogenesis") |
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| − | + | 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 | |
| − | *[[ | + | * 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. | ||
Revision as of 21:11, May 11, 2007
Spontaneous generation refers to the concept that animal forms are created by the decay of organic matter [1] [2]. Common theories included:
- Moldy grain produces mice
- 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 [3], and is used to obscure the concept of abiogenesis. Abiogenesis refers to a theorized event where a self-replicating chemical became self-replicating life.
References
- ↑ http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio114/spontgen.htm
- ↑ http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/AB/BC/Spontaneous_Generation.html
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Biology. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998