If “spontaneous generation” were true, which of the following would Redi have observed in his meat jar experiment? Check all that apply. Maggots would have formed in the tightly-sealed jars. Maggots would not have formed in the open jars. Maggots would have formed in the open jars. Maggots would not have formed in the tightly-sealed jars
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct answers:
- ✅ Maggots would have formed in the tightly-sealed jars.
- ✅ Maggots would have formed in the open jars.
Explanation:
Francesco Redi’s experiment in 1668 was designed to test the idea of spontaneous generation, which was the belief that living organisms could arise from non-living matter without any outside influence. Specifically, many people believed that maggots could spontaneously appear from rotting meat.
To test this, Redi placed meat in two sets of jars. Some jars were left open, allowing flies to enter and lay eggs. Others were tightly sealed, preventing any contact with flies. According to the idea of spontaneous generation, maggots should have formed in both the open and sealed jars because the theory claimed that life could emerge directly from the meat itself.
Therefore, if spontaneous generation were true:
- Maggots would have formed in the tightly-sealed jars because no external agent (like flies) was needed.
- Maggots would have formed in the open jars as well, whether due to exposure or the same spontaneous process.
In reality, Redi observed that maggots only appeared in the open jars, where flies could lay eggs. The sealed jars had no maggots, which supported the idea that life comes from other life, not from non-living material alone.
Thus, based on the theory of spontaneous generation being true, both the first and third options are correct. The other two options reflect what Redi actually observed, not what would happen if spontaneous generation were correct.
